The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that over 500 Nigerian citizens in Lebanon have registered with the Nigerian mission for evacuation amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the ministry, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday. He noted that while approximately 2,000 Nigerians reside in Lebanon, many have not yet shown interest in returning home, despite ongoing efforts by the mission to persuade them.
The Federal Government has initiated evacuation procedures in response to the worsening conflict.
“President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritises the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens, and emergency protocols have been activated to ensure their swift and safe evacuation,” Abu-Obe said.
The ministry is coordinating with the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerian Immigration Service to facilitate the evacuation.
The Nigerian Embassy in Beirut has issued advisories urging citizens to remain indoors and adhere to local authorities’ instructions.
Abu-Obe urged any unregistered citizens to contact the embassy via email at info@mfa.gov.ng and warned against resisting evacuation.
He commended the Nigerian community in Lebanon for their cooperation and assured that the government would continue to monitor the situation.