The Federal Government says it is currently arranging a special flight to evacuate Nigerians trapped in Ukraine, following the invasion of the country by Russia on Wednesday night.
The Government’s action came after the House of Representatives called for the immediate evacuation of Nigerians from the Eastern European country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama, who disclosed the evacuation plan on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on Thursday, said the Federal Government would arrange a special flight for Nigerians who are willing to be evacuated from Ukraine.
Onyeama said, “The Nigerian embassy in Kiev has been contacted to arrange those wishing to return home from other areas, including Donestk and Luhansk.”
He added that the Federal Government had been following the development since it started, and promised that everything would be done to ensure that Nigerians, especially students in Ukraine, were safe.
The Nigerian Embassy in Ukrainian capital, Kiev, had earlier asked Nigerians in the country to remain calm and take responsibility for their personal security and safety.
The warning, contained in an Embassy notice, read: “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 Embassy wishes to add that should any of Nigerian national considers the situation as emotionally disturbing, such nationals may wish to temporarily relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangements.
‘’They should, however, ensure that they do all the needful to validate all their resident documents for ease of return to the country when desired.
“In addition, in case of students seeking such temporary relocation, they are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee from their respective institutions, authorities/agents on the way forward in respect to their studies during this period and/or thereafter.
“For those who still consider it appropriate to remain in the country, be assured that the embassy remains open for its consular duties and responsibilities at all times. It will always avail you of updates when necessary.”
