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Huthi fighters raise Lebanese Hezbollah and national flags during a rally held in the Huthi-controlled capital Sanaa on October 4, 2024, in protest against Israel's attacks on Lebanon and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. - The US military said on October 4 that it struck 15 targets in areas of Yemen controlled by Huthi rebels, who have fired missiles at Israel and repeatedly attacked global shipping in the Red Sea. (Photo by Mohammed HUWAIS / AFP)
Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Federal Government has confirmed that no Nigerian lives have been lost in Lebanon, despite the growing danger in the region.
As tensions rise, the government has swiftly moved to ensure the safety of its citizens, initiating plans for their evacuation.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, spokesperson Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe emphasised that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working 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,” the statement noted, underscoring the government’s efforts to monitor and secure the welfare of Nigerians in the conflict zone.
While the situation in Lebanon remains volatile, the embassy had advised Nigerians as early as August 2024 to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still available.
Since then, Nigerian citizens in southern Lebanon, one of the most dangerous areas, have been relocated to safer regions such as Beirut, with assistance from community leaders.
As the conflict worsens, particularly following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel earlier this week, 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.
Iran, on Tuesday, launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Iran-backed militant leaders, sending Israelis to shelters and prompting alarm across the region.
According to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defence Forces said it intercepted the 180 ballistic missiles launched by Iran at Israel on Tuesday evening.
In a message on X.com on Tuesday evening, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, through his handle, @DOlusegun, said: “Alert! All Nigerians in Lebanon are expected to get in touch with the Nigerian mission for profiling and documentation and subsequent evacuation.”
