In times of crisis, the safety of citizens abroad can become a pressing concern, prompting governments to take swift action.
Now, the Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate Nigerians living in Lebanon who wish to return home amid the ongoing crisis in the country.
The government held a multi-stakeholder meeting to discuss the situation of Nigerians in Lebanon.
Lebanon Experiences Attacks
During this meeting, updates were provided on the condition of citizens and the efforts by various agencies to ensure the evacuation is successful.
This information was shared in a statement issued by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Friday.
In September 2024, Lebanon experienced a surge in cross-border attacks, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and 6,352 injuries in less than two weeks, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Casualties
Since October 2023, the death toll has risen to more than 1,800, with over 9,100 individuals injured.
As of September 30, 2024, IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix reported that there are 346,209 internally displaced persons in Lebanon.
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This includes more than 31,000 families, accounting for 137,000 individuals, living in 820 collective shelters.
Additionally, over 175,000 Lebanese and Syrians have fled to Syria.
NEMA Coordinates Evacuation
NEMA stated that it was coordinating the evacuation, which has begun with the mobilisation of citizens.
This will be followed by the necessary arrangements to bring them home.
“The leader of the Nigerian community, through a telephone conversation acknowledged the support by the Nigerian Mission in Lebanon especially in their safe movement out of high-risk areas, adding that no Nigerian life has been lost so far.
“In view of the planned voluntary evacuation, those Nigerians willing to be evacuated back home are advised to report to the Embassy in Beirut where they will be profiled for the airlift,” it stated
