ABUJA – The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged its citizens residing in Lebanon to leave the country due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This warning comes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launch ground raids in the region, described by Israel as “limited, localised, and targeted.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) advised Nigerians in Lebanon to consider departing while commercial flights are still available. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, signed the statement in Abuja.
The commission explained that while many Nigerians have already relocated from the conflict zones in southern Lebanon and are currently safe, it is still crucial for them to remain vigilant. “Nigerians are advised to keep safe until a ceasefire is in place,” the statement read.
NiDCOM further assured that no Nigerian has been harmed so far, stating, “It is gratifying to note that thus far, no Nigerian has witnessed any form of accident or injury. We advise them to continue to remain safe while the war lasts.”
The commission also urged Nigerians in Lebanon to stay in contact with the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut for further guidance. The statement emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring their safety and well-being during this period of unrest.
The call for evacuation comes as IDF forces target Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, warning civilians to evacuate certain areas. Residents in around 25 villages south of the Litani River, located about 20 miles from the Israel-Lebanon border, have been told to head north.
As tensions rise in the region, the Nigerian government continues to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing the safety of its citizens abroad.
