Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja has advised citizens of war-torn Lebanon to consider the federal government’s voluntary evacuation plan during commercial flight operations.
This was disclosed in a press release uploaded on the ministry’s X page on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Tagged as “Emergency Evacuation of Nigerians in Lebanon after the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict,” the ministry announced that the federal government has begun preparations for the evacuation of Nigerians in Lebanon in light of the deteriorating situation in Lebanon due to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Confirmed. I’m going back to Nigeria.
advisory
In a statement signed by Amb. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Etche Abu Obe, said on October 4, 2024, that Nigerians have two flight options.
“The Nigerian government is taking steps to ensure the protection and security of Nigerian citizens in the country.
“The Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon regularly advises safety instructions to the community, and in August 2024 advised Nigerians to strongly consider voluntary evacuation while commercial flight options remain. ”, the statement reads in part.
He said Nigerians from southern Lebanon are also being evacuated to Beirut and other safe areas in cooperation with Nigerian community leaders.
She added that no Nigerian life had been lost since the conflict began.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, remains committed to the protection and security of Nigerians as preparations are underway to evacuate them to their home country. .
back story
The recommendation follows growing concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, which has been exacerbated by the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict, rooted in decades of territorial and political disputes, has flared up again, destabilizing southern Lebanon and neighboring regions. The Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah has clashed with Israeli forces intermittently over the years, often drawing the country into broader Middle East conflicts.
The conflict has escalated in recent weeks, with rocket fire and airstrikes affecting civilian areas, raising fears of a wider regional war. Lebanon, already facing a severe economic crisis and political instability, faces further tensions as violence escalates. The situation has raised concerns for the safety of foreigners, including the estimated thousands of Nigerians living and working in the country, many of whom are vulnerable due to Lebanon’s continued economic difficulties.
The Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on its nationals currently residing in Lebanon to return home due to escalating violence in the region.
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