Israel-Hezbollah Crisis: Nigerian Citizens Move To Safer Zones

Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Federal Government of Nigeria has assured the public that no Nigerian lives have been lost in Lebanon, despite the growing threat in the region.

As tensions continue to rise, the government has ramped up efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens, initiating plans for their evacuation.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the ministry, confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to protect and relocate nationals.

Osun Defender reports that Nigerian citizens residing in southern Lebanon, one of the most volatile areas, have been relocated to safer regions like Beirut with the assistance of community leaders and the embassy.

With the conflict intensifying, particularly after Iran launched missile attacks on Israel earlier this week, the Nigerian government has accelerated its evacuation plans.

“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon,” the statement read, emphasizing that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard Nigerians caught in the conflict zone.

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“It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement added.

The situation in Lebanon remains unpredictable, but the Nigerian government had advised its nationals as early as August 2024 to evacuate voluntarily while commercial flights were still operational. This proactive move allowed many Nigerians to relocate before the conflict further escalated.

In light of recent developments, including the missile strikes launched by Iran in response to the killings of Iran-backed militant leaders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to the safety of Nigerians.

“The Ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians that the Federal Government is engaging with relevant stakeholders and remains committed to the protection and safety of Nigerian nationals, as preparations for evacuation are being made,” the statement noted.

The attacks by Iran, which saw the launch of 180 ballistic missiles intercepted by Israel’s defense system, have heightened tensions across the region. As a result, Nigeria has intensified its efforts to coordinate with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the safe return of its citizens.

Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, in a message posted on X.com (formerly Twitter), advised all Nigerians in Lebanon to contact the Nigerian mission for proper documentation and profiling ahead of the planned evacuation.