No Nigerian has been affected in Lebanon following escalation of hostility between the Israeli Defence Forces and Hezbollah, The Nation has learnt .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement yesterday, said the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to protect its nationals.
Besides, the statement which was signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, also confirmed that the government has set up machinery for emergency evacuation of Nigerians in Lebanon.
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The statement reads: “Further to the deteriorating situation in Lebanon over the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Federal Government has commenced preparation for evacuation of Nigerians in Lebanon back to Nigeria. The Government of Nigeria has taken measures to ensure the protection and safety of Nigerian nationals in the country.
“The Embassy of Nigeria in Lebanon issued regular advisories to the community with safety instructions and in August 2024 advised Nigerian nationals to strongly consider voluntary evacuation while the options of commercial flights remained available. Nigerian nationals in the South of Lebanon have also been evacuated to Beirut and other safer areas in collaboration with the leadership of the Nigerian community. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reassure Nigerians that the Federal Government is engaging with relevant stakeholders and remains committed to the protection and safety of Nigerian nationals, as Government is making preparations to evacuate them back home.”
So far, no fewer than 200,000 people have fled Lebanon into neighbouring Syria “as a result of Israeli air strikes,” according to the UN.
An update from UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, says this number includes both Lebanese and Syrians who were living in Lebanon. Figures from the Lebanese government put the total at 300,000.
