The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged its citizens residing in Lebanon to return home, citing rising violence in the country amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The advisory was issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) following the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has led to increased instability in Lebanon.
In a statement, NiDCOM called on Nigerians to take advantage of available commercial flights to exit the country while it is still possible. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, said, “In light of the attacks on Hezbollah and other areas in Lebanon by the Israeli government, we are advising Nigerians in Lebanon to take the opportunity to exit the country now, as flights are still available.”
Despite the conflict, NiDCOM noted that many Nigerians in Lebanon have already relocated from more volatile areas, particularly in the south, to safer regions. “We have been informed that most Nigerians have moved to safer regions and are relatively secure, but we continue to urge them to remain vigilant until a ceasefire is in place,” Balogun added.
NiDCOM reassured that no Nigerian nationals have been harmed during the ongoing violence. “It is gratifying to note that no Nigerian has experienced any form of injury or accident during the ongoing violence. We advise them to remain cautious and continue prioritizing their safety during this period,” the statement read.
The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has emphasized the safety and well-being of its citizens as a top priority. Nigerians in Lebanon are encouraged to remain in contact with the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut for further guidance on security measures and possible evacuation options if the situation worsens.
