The Federal Government has announced that there have been no reported Nigerian casualties in Lebanon, despite the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
In response to Israel’s escalating strikes in Lebanon, the Nigerian government has begun preparations for the evacuation of its citizens in the country. A statement released on Saturday by Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon is actively engaged in efforts to safeguard its nationals.
“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon.
“It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement noted.
The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring and ensuring the safety of Nigerians in the conflict zone. Given the ongoing volatility in Lebanon, the embassy had recommended as early as August 2024 that Nigerians consider voluntary evacuation, noting that commercial flights were still operational. Additionally, it mentioned that Nigerian citizens residing in southern Lebanon, one of the most hazardous areas, have been relocated to safer locations like Beirut, with support from community leaders.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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 Government is making preparations to evacuate them back home,” the statement added.
The recent surge in violence has led to significant Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds throughout Lebanon, with ground troops launching raids near the border. This escalation has transformed nearly a year of cross-border skirmishes into a full-scale war.
In what marks the first reported Israeli airstrike in the northern Tripoli region during this latest conflict, the Palestinian militant group Hamas announced that the “Zionist bombardment” of the Beddawi refugee camp resulted in the deaths of a commander, Saeed Attallah Ali, along with his wife and two daughters on Saturday.
The situation has intensified further this week, featuring Iran’s second missile attack on Israel, increased rocket fire from Hezbollah, and strikes claimed by Iranian allies from as far as Yemen, coinciding just days before the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.
