The Nigerian government has issued an urgent directive for its citizens living in Lebanon to contact the Nigerian diplomatic mission for immediate evacuation. This decision follows a massive missile attack by Iran on Israel, which has heightened tensions across the Middle East.
The announcement was made by Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, via X (formerly Twitter). His statement, “All Nigerians in Lebanon are expected to get in touch with the Nigerian mission for profiling and documentation and subsequent evacuation,” urged citizens in Lebanon to act swiftly in light of the escalating conflict.
The evacuation notice comes after Iran launched 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday, reportedly in retaliation for the targeted killings of Iran-backed militant leaders. This missile strike forced Israeli civilians into shelters as tensions in the region reached alarming levels. Although Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) intercepted the majority of the ballistic missiles, concerns remain high following this second Iranian assault in recent months.
This attack follows an earlier missile and drone strike in April, which Iran launched in response to an Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Damascus. Despite the IDF’s effective interception, the barrage of missiles has intensified fears of further violence.
Explosions were heard over Jerusalem, and reports suggest two individuals were injured in central Israel. The Iranian news agency, IRNA, confirmed the Islamic Republic’s missile launch against Tel Aviv, Israel’s key commercial hub, marking yet another flashpoint in the already volatile relationship between the two nations.
With rising concerns for regional stability, Nigeria has taken immediate steps to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad, particularly those residing in Lebanon, due to the proximity and potential impact of the escalating conflict. The government has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, and citizens are expected to cooperate with diplomatic officers to ensure a smooth evacuation process amid the uncertainty caused by the Iran-Israel conflict.
This move by the Nigerian government signals its commitment to safeguarding the lives of its citizens in conflict-prone regions, while also acknowledging the increasing tensions in the Middle East. The evacuation is aimed at preventing Nigerian citizens from being caught in the crossfire of the unfolding military confrontation.
Peoplesmind