FG: Nigerians in Lebanon Unwilling to Leave Despite Israel-Hezbollah War

The Federal Government reports that Nigerians in Lebanon are hesitant to evacuate, despite the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. Learn more about the reasons behind their reluctance.

The Nigerian government has expressed concern about the reluctance of many Nigerians living in Lebanon to return home, despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this information in a statement made in Abuja on Saturday.

Commenting on the government’s evacuation efforts, Abu-Obe stated, “Currently, approximately 500 Nigerians have registered with the Mission. However, there are over 2,000 Nigerian citizens living in the country.”

“Although the majority have not expressed a willingness to return home despite encouragement from our Embassy, we remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our citizens.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Nigerians in Lebanon to cooperate with evacuation efforts, emphasizing the importance of not resisting due to the potential escalation of ongoing conflict. They urge citizens to adhere to safety guidelines during this process. The Nigerian government expresses gratitude for the understanding shown by the international community and will keep a close watch on developments as they unfold.

The ministry added further clarification, stating: “Building on the previous announcement regarding the evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to offer more information on this issue.”

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Amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Nigeria’s Federal Government has begun arrangements to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian nationals is a top priority. Given the deteriorating security conditions in Lebanon, emergency protocols have been activated to expedite their safe return home.

The Ministry, in partnership with the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and other pertinent agencies, is diligently working to facilitate the safe evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon.

Since the conflict started, our Embassy in Beirut has regularly issued advisories, urging Nigerian citizens to remain indoors and adhere to local authorities’ instructions. We also request those who have not yet registered with the Embassy to do so by emailing info@mfa.gov.ng.

The ministry stated that no Nigerian citizens have suffered casualties in Lebanon.

The statement also mentioned, “Due to the commendable efforts of our Embassy in collaboration with Nigerian community leaders to evacuate citizens from southern Lebanon, the conflict’s epicenter, to Beirut, President Tinubu’s administration is arranging for a C-130 Aircraft or another available flight for the evacuation mission.”

The government repeated its request for cooperation, declaring, “We urge all Nigerian citizens residing in Lebanon not to oppose evacuation efforts due to the potential escalation of the ongoing conflict. We appeal for your collaboration with the evacuation process. Nigeria is grateful for the international community’s understanding and will continue to closely monitor developments.”