The Federal Government of Nigeria has arranged a special flight operation to evacuate her citizens from Ukraine as a result of the invasion of the Eastern European country by Russia last night
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, told NTA that the Nigerian embassy in Kiev has been contacted to arrange flight for those willing to return home from areas Donestk and Luhensk.
He assured Nigerians that the ministry is monitoring development and promised to do everything for the safety of Nigerians in Ukraine, particularly the students.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has issued an advisory to Nigerians in Ukraine, saying they are “responsible for their personal security and safety.”
“The embassy urges Nigerian nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but be very vigilant and be responsible for their personal security and safety,” the Nigerian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, said in a statement shared on Twitter by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
Thousands of Nigerians live in Ukraine, many of whom are students in various higher institutions in the country.
Despite threats of a Russian attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the year, no plans were made for the evacuation of the Nigerians.
Russian forces attacked Ukraine Thursday morning in what President Vladimir Putin described as a “special military operation”.
Russia claims it is targeting Ukrainian military installations including air bases but there are fears many civilians have been killed in air raids.
The European Union has vowed to impose heavy sanctions on Russia for the development.
