The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has advised Nigerians living in Lebanon to consider leaving the country, as hostilities between Israel and Iran escalate, with Iran firing 180 ballistic missiles at Israel.
NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in response to escalating attacks by Israeli forces on Hezbollah positions and other parts of Lebanon.
NiDCOM urged Nigerians to take advantage of the fact that commercial flights are still operating, allowing for a safe exit.
The commission also noted that many Nigerians had already relocated from the more dangerous southern regions of the country to relatively safer areas.
However, NiDCOM stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and prioritising safety until a ceasefire is declared.
“Worried by the attacks on Hezbollah and other areas in Lebanon by the Israeli government, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission hereby advises Nigerians resident in Lebanon to consider leaving the country now that commercial flights are still in operation.
“Though information from the Nigerian community in Lebanon indicates that most Nigerians have relocated from the southern part and are now relatively safe, we advise them to stay safe until a ceasefire is in place,” the statement read in part.
The commission expressed relief that no Nigerian citizen had been injured or affected by the conflict thus far.
NiDCOM further advised Nigerians to stay in contact with the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon for up-to-date safety information and assistance.
“It is gratifying to note that, thus far, no Nigerian has witnessed any form of accident or injury, and we wish to advise them to continue to remain safe while the conflict lasts.
“Nigerians are equally advised to liaise with our embassy in Lebanon for necessary guidance regarding their safety, and be assured that their welfare and safety are of utmost concern to President Bola Tinubu,” it added.
On Tuesday, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Iran-backed militant leaders, sending Israelis to shelters and prompting alarm across the region.
According to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defence Forces said they had intercepted the 180 ballistic missiles launched by Iran at Israel on Tuesday evening.
In a message on X.com on Tuesday evening, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, through his handle #DOlusegun, said, “Alert! All Nigerians in Lebanon are expected to get in touch with the Nigerian mission for profiling, documentation, and subsequent evacuation.”
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