The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that no Nigerian citizen has been affected by the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon.
This assurance was provided by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, in an advisory to Nigerians in Lebanon on Saturday.
In a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the government revealed that preparations for the emergency evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon are underway, amid the escalating situation.
“Further to the deteriorating situation in Lebanon over the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Federal Government has commenced preparation for the evacuation of Nigerians in Lebanon back to Nigeria,” the statement said.
“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.”