Thick smoke rises over Beirut’s southern suburbs after an Israeli airstrike on September 20, 2024. – An attack on Hezbollah’s stronghold in the Lebanese capital Beirut reportedly killed at least eight people and injured dozens, a source close to the movement said. The military’s top leader has died. (Photo provided by AFP)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that over 500 Nigerian nationals have registered to return home and evacuate at the Nigerian embassy in Lebanon.
Anbu. The ministry’s spokesperson, Mr Eche Abuobe, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday.
He said about 2,000 Nigerian nationals reside in Lebanon, but most of them have not expressed their intention to return despite persuasion by the envoy.
Abu Obe said the federal government had initiated the evacuation process due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
“President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritized the safety and welfare of Nigerians and emergency protocols have been activated to ensure the quick and safe evacuation of our citizens.
“The ministry is coordinating the evacuation drill in collaboration with relevant agencies such as the Office of the President, the National Emergency Management Agency and the Nigerian Immigration Service.
“The Nigerian Embassy in Beirut has issued an advisory urging citizens to stay indoors and follow instructions from local authorities.”
Abu Obe called on unregistered nationals to contact the embassy via email ((email protected)) and warned them not to resist evacuation due to the escalating conflict.
He commended the Nigerian community for its understanding and assured the government of continued monitoring of the situation.
