FG begins evacuation of Nigerians stranded in Ukraine

The Federal Government on Wednesday, commenced the evacuation of Nigerians who have been stranded in Ukraine following the invasion of the Eastern European country by Russia.

The Nigerians who had managed to flee the war-torn country to neighbouring nations like Poland, Romania, and Hungary, according to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, were to be evacuated from the troubled region today.

Aduda, who disclosed this in Abuja, explained that the evacuation of Nigerians was set to commence via Max Air and Air Peace flights.

“Furtherance to our efforts to evacuate Nigerians from neighbouring countries surrounding Ukraine, we can confirm that chattered flights will depart on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, to pick up Nigerian evacuees.

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“So far, we have the following records of evacuees received by the Nigerian embassies at Hungary: 650 persons, Poland: 350 persons, Romania: 940 persons, and Slovakia: 150 persons.

“The capacity and routes of the airlines are as follows: Max Air to Romania 560 persons, Air Peace to Poland 365 persons and Air Peace to Hungary 360 persons.

“The first batch of evacuees are expected to arrive in Nigeria on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

“Once again, we assure Nigerians that we are working round the clock to see that our citizens are brought back home safely.

The permanent secretary further gave the following numbers; +2349160847498, +2347010882907, as consular helplines in case of any emergencies or inquiries.

Despite the tension across the region due to the Russian invasion, some Nigerians who are trapped following the crisis between Russia and Ukraine are not willing to return to the country.

This was made known on Monday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, during a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, in Abuja.

He noted: “We hope to start evacuation hopefully Wednesday, although some do not want to come back. We are doing everything possible to ensure that come Wednesday, we will dispatch planes for evacuation.”