Nigeria Moves Swiftly to Evacuate Citizens from Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that no Nigerian lives have been lost in Lebanon since the start of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite the growing danger in the region, the government has swiftly initiated plans to ensure the safety of its citizens, including evacuation preparations.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe emphasized the Nigerian Embassy’s active efforts to protect its nationals. “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,” Abu-Obe stated.

The embassy had advised Nigerians to voluntarily evacuate as early as August 2024, with commercial flights still available. However, as the conflict worsens, particularly following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, Nigeria has ramped up its evacuation plans.

“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,” the statement added.

This move comes as several countries, including Canada, Kuwait, Germany, the Netherlands, and North Macedonia, have issued statements urging their citizens to leave Lebanon due to fears of an escalation of the conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with the United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressing concern about Israel’s role in the tensions.

Nigeria’s prompt response to the crisis is commendable, especially considering the country’s experience with evacuations during previous conflicts. In 2006, India successfully evacuated its nationals from Lebanon through “Operation Sukoon.” Similarly, other countries, such as the Philippines, Romania, and Norway, also coordinated evacuation efforts for their citizens.