Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that many Nigerian nationals currently in Lebanon are hesitant to return home, despite the federal government’s evacuation plans due to the escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
In a press release on October 5, 2024, the ministry addressed this issue, emphasizing the challenges in persuading citizens to leave a region marked by violence and instability. The release was tagged “EVACUATION OF NIGERIANS FROM LEBANON AMIDST THE ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH CONFLICT.”
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that around 500 Nigerians have registered for evacuation, while more than 2,000 remain in the country. Despite efforts from Nigeria’s diplomatic offices to encourage a return, many nationals have expressed reluctance.
“Even though most of them have not indicated a willingness to return home despite our Embassy’s persuasion, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Abu-Obe said. The Nigerian government is making arrangements to deploy a C-130 aircraft or another suitable flight for the evacuation, as the situation continues to deteriorate.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has also urged citizens in Lebanon to consider returning home in light of the increasing violence. Meanwhile, several other countries, including China, Russia, France, and Germany, have begun evacuating their nationals.
The advisory comes as violence escalates in Lebanon, marked by Israeli ground raids in southern regions and ongoing clashes with Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. This conflict has prompted concerns over the safety of foreign nationals, particularly those in vulnerable conditions due to Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis.
As of now, Lebanese authorities report over 1,110 fatalities since the recent escalation of hostilities began on September 23, displacing more than a million people. The global community remains watchful.