From: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja
No fewer than 500 Nigerians have so far registered with the Nigeria mission in Lebanon.
There are more than 2000 Nigerians in that country, according to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A statement signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Amb Eche Abu-Obe, however said not all of them indicated interest to come back home.
The register was open following the escalation of hostility between Hezbollah and Israeli Defence Force.
He said arrangements are in place to send C130 plane to the Lebanon to evacuate Nigerians there.
The government had urged Nigerians to go to the mission in Lebanon, as it activated emergency evacuation Procedures.
The statement reads in part: “Presently, about 500 Nigerians have registered with the Mission, however, there are more than 2000 Nigeria citizens residing in the country. Even though most of them have not indicated willingness to return home in spite of the persuasion by our Embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens.
“The Ministry is pleased to report that no life has been lost. In view of the commendable efforts made by the Embassy, working in concert with the leadership of the Nigerian community to evacuate fellow Nigerians from southern Lebanon the epicenter of the conflict to Beirut, the Administration of President Tinubu is making arrangements to send a C-130 Aircraft or any other available flight for the evacuation exercise.
“The Nigerian government urges all citizens living In Lebanon not to resist evacuation because the ongoing conflict may escalate and appeals for cooperation with the evacuation process and follow safety guidelines.
“Nigeria appreciates the understanding of the international community and will continue to monitor the situation.”
The FG in the statement further stressed that the safety and well- being of its citizens remains its top priority, “In the light of the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, Government has activated emergency protocols to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of our citizens back home as soon as possible.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and other relevant bodies, is coordinating the evacuation exercise to ensure the safe return of Nigerians from Lebanon. Our Embassy in Beirut has been issuing several advisories since the conflict started for our citizens to stay indoors and follow local authorities’ instruction as well as appeal to those who have not registered with the Embassy, to do so through Email: info@mfa.gov.ng,” it added.