Russia-Ukraine War: Fed Govt Starts Airlift of Stranded Nigerians

Although coming a little late in the day as some pro-active countries unfolded their rescue efforts before the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War, the Federal Government of Nigeria has also started the evacuation of its citizens who fled the war zone in Eastern Europe.

The rescue effort of the government kicked into gear on Wednesday according to a statement by Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Amb. Aduda said that Nigerians who were displaced on account of the ongoing war would be evacuated from Romania, Poland and Hungary through 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’ home.

He also gave an official breakdown of the number of persons rescued as a result of the ongoing armed conflict:

“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 follow: 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 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 advised Nigerians to call the following consular helplines: +2349160847498, +2347010882907, in case of any emergencies or inquiries.