The Nigerian Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate citizens from Lebanon following the escalation of the crisis in the country.
This was announced on Friday by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is coordinating the evacuation effort.
A multi-stakeholder meeting was held to review the situation of Nigerians in Lebanon and to ensure that all necessary measures are in place for a successful evacuation.
The crisis in Lebanon, which saw a significant rise in cross-border attacks in September 2024, has resulted in over 1,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries within a span of two weeks, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Since October 2023, the death toll has surpassed 1,800, with 9,100 injured. As of September 30, 2024, IOM reported that 346,209 people had been internally displaced, with more than 31,000 families living in collective shelters.
Additionally, over 175,000 Lebanese and Syrians have fled to Syria for safety.NEMA confirmed that the evacuation process has commenced with the mobilisation of Nigerian citizens in Lebanon.
The agency has urged Nigerians wishing to return home to report to the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut, where they will be profiled for the airlift.
The leader of the Nigerian community in Lebanon, during a telephone call, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Nigerian Mission, particularly in ensuring the safe movement of citizens away from high-risk areas.
Importantly, no Nigerian lives have been lost so far in the ongoing conflict.