The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that over 500 Nigerian citizens residing in Lebanon have registered with the Nigerian mission in Beirut for emergency evacuation, as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the ministry’s spokesperson, disclosed this development on Sunday, noting that efforts are underway to bring those registered back to Nigeria safely.
According to the ministry, approximately 2,000 Nigerian citizens live in Lebanon, but many have not yet expressed a willingness to return despite the worsening security situation. The Nigerian mission in Beirut, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has launched an emergency evacuation procedure, urging citizens to prioritize their safety.
“The Federal Government, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad, especially in conflict zones. Emergency protocols have been activated to guarantee the swift and safe evacuation of our citizens from Lebanon,” Ambassador Abu-Obe stated.
The evacuation is being coordinated by multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
The Nigerian Embassy in Beirut has also issued advisories to the Nigerian community, advising them to stay indoors and comply with the instructions of local authorities to minimize the risk of harm during this volatile period. The embassy is also in constant communication with local officials to ensure Nigerians’ safety in Lebanon.
Ambassador Abu-Obe urged Nigerian citizens who have not yet registered for evacuation to promptly contact the embassy through its dedicated email, info@mfa.gov.ng. He also cautioned against resisting evacuation efforts due to the precarious security environment.
“The escalating conflict poses significant danger to all residents, and we implore Nigerians in Lebanon to comply with the evacuation directives. We want to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in this operation,” he added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that all Nigerians, regardless of their legal or economic status in Lebanon, are entitled to participate in the evacuation.
