NEWS
Lebanon Crisis: Only 500 Nigerians Register For Evacuation Out of 2,000 – FG
The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that only 500 Nigerians have so far registered for evacuation from Lebanon, despite the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
This was announced in a statement issued by Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Abu-Obe confirmed that although there are more than 2,000 Nigerian citizens residing in Lebanon, most have not shown interest in returning home, even after appeals from the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut.
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“Currently, about 500 Nigerians have registered with the Mission. However, there are more than 2,000 Nigerian citizens residing in the country.
“Even though most of them have not indicated a willingness to return home in spite of the persuasion by our Embassy, we will continue to do everything to ensure the safety of our citizens,” the statement said.
The Ministry urged Nigerians in Lebanon who have not yet registered to do so via email at info@mfa.gov.ng.
Ambassador Abu-Obe stressed that the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens is a top priority and that the government has activated emergency protocols to ensure a swift and safe evacuation process.
According to Abu-Obe, no Nigerian life has been lost so far, thanks to coordinated efforts between the Nigerian Embassy and the leadership of the Nigerian community in Lebanon.
These efforts have helped evacuate Nigerians from southern Lebanon, the epicenter of the conflict, to the capital city of Beirut.
To expedite the evacuation process, the Nigerian government is making arrangements to deploy a C-130 aircraft or another available flight.
The government has also urged all Nigerian citizens in Lebanon not to resist evacuation, warning that the ongoing conflict could escalate further.
“Nigeria appreciates the understanding of the international community and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” the statement concluded.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified in recent weeks, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut and southern Lebanon.
Over 600 people have died, including Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Israeli ground forces have also launched an invasion into southern Lebanon, raising concerns of further escalation.
The remains of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, have arrived at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, signaling the start of his burial ceremony according to military protocols.
The body arrived promptly at 3:00 p.m. on November 15, 2024, transported in an ambulance. Following tradition, the casket was received and will be positioned by pallbearers before a moment of silence is observed to honor the late COAS.
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During the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Minister of Defence, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are expected to deliver tributes highlighting Lt. Gen.
Lagbaja’s contributions to the nation. Afterward, the national flag will be presented to his next of kin, and the casket will be lowered.
Dignitaries, including the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other government officials, will lay wreaths in memory of the late army chief, paying their last respects.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is remembered for his service and dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation. The ceremony underscores the nation’s gratitude for his commitment and leadership.
The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, upholding the continued existence of the anti-graft agency.
A seven-man panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani-Abba-Aji, ruled that the case, filed by Attorneys General from several states, was without merit.
READ MORE: Police Recover N2.3m Extorted From Abuja Resident, Officers Detained
The lawsuit, initially filed by the Attorneys General of 16 states, sought the dissolution of the EFCC, which was established to combat corruption in Nigeria.
The states involved in the case included Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nassarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross-River, and Niger.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, some states withdrew their support, while others joined the case as co-plaintiffs.
Notably, Imo, Bauchi, and Osun states joined the suit on October 22, while Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states withdrew, leading to the dismissal of their claims by the court.
The ruling strengthens the EFCC’s legal foundation, ensuring the continued operation of the commission in its fight against financial crimes in the country.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has detained officers involved in the alleged extortion of N2.3 million from Mr. Nwosu Ndubuisi in Abuja.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 7 Command, DSP M.B. Abdulkadir, in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The extorted sum has been recovered and returned to the victim, with disciplinary proceedings initiated against the implicated officers.
The statement read, “Further to the earlier statement issued on the alleged extortion of one Mr. Ndubuisi Nwosu by some officers of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, investigation was carried out, the officers allegedly involved in the extortion have been identified and detained, while disciplinary proceedings have commenced against them.
“The sum of N2.3m has been recovered and returned to Mr. Ndubuisi Nwosu.”
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The Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth C. Igweh, assured the public that the disciplinary process would be transparent, in line with the accountability standards of the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.
Igweh emphasised, “The zone will update members of the public on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings against the defaulters. Zone 7 headquarters remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law, public safety, security and its mandate of protecting lives and properties.”
The incident was initially reported by X user Harrison Gwamnishu (#HarrisonBbi18), who revealed that the officers coerced Ndubuisi into selling his laptop at Banex Plaza to pay for bail. Following this revelation, AIG Igweh ordered an investigation into the matter, leading to swift action.
This development highlights the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to addressing misconduct within its ranks and ensuring justice for victims.
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