The Nigerian government has debunked rumours that some of its citizens living in Lebanon have been caught in the cross fire as a result of the hostility between the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group, Hezbollah.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Saturday signed by its spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, said the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been working round the clock to protect its nationals and ensure their safety while the government has set up machinery for emergency evacuation of Nigerians in Lebanon.
“Further to the deteriorating situation in Lebanon over the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Federal Government has commenced preparation for evacuation of Nigerians in Lebanon back to Nigeria,” Abu-Obe said.
“The Government of Nigeria has taken measures to ensure the protection and safety of Nigerian nationals in the country.
“The Embassy of Nigeria in Lebanon issued regular advisories to the community with safety instructions and in August, 2024, advised Nigerian nationals to strongly consider voluntary evacuation while the options of commercial flights remained available.
“Nigerian nationals in the South of Lebanon have also been evacuated to Beirut and other safer areas in collaboration with the leadership of the Nigerian community. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement added.