Nigerian government urges citizens to evacuate Lebanon
The Nigerian government has issued an urgent advisory, urging its citizens living in Lebanon to leave the country as the conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah escalates. This warning comes in light of increasing hostilities, with Israel launching a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, intensifying its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah fighters.
The advisory, released by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, and signed by its spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, highlighted the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon. The statement noted the growing risks for Nigerians residing in the country, particularly in light of recent Israeli airstrikes targeting key Hezbollah positions.
The conflict, which has already claimed over 600 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands, escalated following targeted Israeli airstrikes that killed several top Hezbollah commanders, including its secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah. In response, Israel has intensified its military operations, bombarding Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut and southern Lebanon in an effort to dismantle the militant group’s infrastructure.
Fearing that the violence could spread beyond southern Lebanon, the Nigerian government expressed concerns over the safety of its citizens. “Worried by the attacks on Hezbollah and other areas in Lebanon by the Israeli government, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) is hereby advising Nigerians resident in Lebanon to consider moving out of the country now that commercial flights are still in operation,” the statement read.
While the government noted that some Nigerians have already relocated to relatively safer areas in Lebanon, the ongoing conflict poses an increasing risk to their safety. The advisory stressed the importance of taking advantage of the available commercial flights to leave the country before the situation worsens further and travel becomes more difficult.
Despite the escalating violence, the Nigerian government reassured its citizens that no Nigerian had sustained injuries or been involved in any accidents related to the conflict. “We are relieved to know that, so far, no Nigerian has been harmed. However, we strongly advise all Nigerians to continue prioritizing their safety during this volatile period,” the statement said.
NiDCOM also urged Nigerian nationals in Lebanon to stay in contact with the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut for updates and guidance on the safest course of action. The embassy is prepared to provide assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians during this period of uncertainty. “Nigerians are equally advised to liaise with our Embassy in Lebanon for necessary guidance regarding their safety and rest assured that their welfare and safety is of utmost concern to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the commission emphasized.
The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with increasing military operations and civilian displacement, has sparked widespread international concern. Countries with citizens residing in Lebanon have been issuing similar advisories, urging their nationals to leave while flights and other means of transport remain operational.
As the situation in Lebanon grows more precarious, the Nigerian government continues to monitor developments closely, prioritizing the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad. With the conflict showing no signs of de-escalation, the Nigerian government’s call for immediate evacuation is a critical step in safeguarding its nationals in the region.
