Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal government has confirmed that no Nigerian lives have been lost in Lebanon despite the growing threat.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe in a statement on Saturday, stated, “The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon… It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict.”
The government, through the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon, has taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of its nationals. As early as August 2024, the embassy advised citizens to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still accessible. Those in the dangerous southern regions have since been relocated to safer areas like Beirut, aided by community leaders.
The Ministry reassured citizens of the government’s dedication to protecting its nationals, saying, “The Federal Government is engaging with relevant stakeholders and remains committed to the protection and safety of Nigerian nationals, as the Government is making preparations to evacuate them back home.”
This statement comes amid worsening conflict, particularly following Iran’s missile attack on Israel earlier in the week. On Tuesday, Iran launched 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders, forcing Israelis into shelters.
The Israel Defence Forces claimed to have intercepted the attack, according to The Times of Israel.
Nigeria has ramped up evacuation efforts in response to these developments. Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, urged Nigerians in Lebanon to contact the Nigerian mission for profiling and documentation ahead of their evacuation.
He wrote on his handle on X.com, @DOlusegun: “Alert! All Nigerians in Lebanon are expected to get in touch with the Nigerian mission for profiling and documentation and subsequent evacuation.”