Nigeria to evacuate its nationals from Lebanon --[Reported by Umva mag]

In response to the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, Nigeria has decided to repatriate its nationals, although many of them have not yet come forward.

The Nigerian government has launched an emergency evacuation operation for its nationals living in Lebanon, due to the intensification of the
conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This initiative comes after several months of warnings and preparations.

Since August 2024, the Nigerian embassy in Beirut has been warning Nigerians about the growing risks in the region. Initially, the Nigerian authorities claim to have encouraged voluntary departure, taking advantage of the commercial flights still available to facilitate their return.

As the security situation deteriorated, the government stepped up its efforts. Measures have been taken to evacuate Nigerians living in southern Lebanon to Beirut and other safer areas. To this end, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that a C-130 military aircraft had been mobilised to ensure their repatriation, while coordination between several government agencies had been put in place to guarantee the success of the operation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appealed to all Nigerians in Lebanon to help with the evacuation. “The situation risks deteriorating further,” warned the spokesman, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe.

However, of the estimated 2,000 Nigerians in Lebanon, only 500 have registered for the evacuation, a figure that worries the authorities.
Nevertheless, they say they are redoubling their efforts to convince their nationals to leave the country.

Abuja reassures that so far, no Nigerian casualties have been reported since the start of hostilities. The Nigerian government remains vigilant and is committed to doing everything possible to guarantee the safety of its citizens. The evacuation operation is currently being overseen by President Bola Tinubu, while Nigeria appeals to the international community for understanding and support at this critical moment.

AC/Sf/te/fss/gik/APA

The following news has been carefully analyzed, curated, and compiled by Umva Mag from a diverse range of people, sources, and reputable platforms. Our editorial team strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information we provide. By combining insights from multiple perspectives, we aim to offer a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the events and stories that shape our world. Umva Mag values transparency, accountability, and journalistic integrity, ensuring that each piece of content is delivered with the utmost professionalism.