The Federal Government of Nigeria is preparing to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate.
This follows a barrage of 180 ballistic missiles launched by Iran towards Israel in response to the deaths of key militant leaders backed by Tehran.
Lebanon, along with Iraq and Jordan, is situated between Iran and Israel and could be significantly impacted by this growing conflict.
The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media,Dada Olusegun, alerted Nigerians in Lebanon via X.com to contact the Nigerian mission for profiling, documentation, and eventual evacuation.
“All Nigerians in Lebanon are expected to get in touch with the Nigerian mission for profiling and documentation and subsequent evacuation,” Olusegun wrote.
The missile strikes were in retaliation for the killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, both incidents widely attributed to Israel.
Explosions were reported over Jerusalem, and shrapnel injuries were noted in central Israel, though the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated their air defenses were effective in countering the attack.
In response to the situation, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged for an immediate ceasefire, condemning the expanding conflict. “This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” Guterres emphasized.
Jordan and other neighboring countries have also activated their air defense systems, and the U.S. government has stepped in to assist Israel’s defense efforts. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan remarked that Iran’s missile strike was “defeated and ineffective,” lauding the successful interception efforts.
The escalating conflict has placed the region on high alert, prompting Nigeria and other nations to prepare for the safety of their citizens in affected areas.
