Staff Writer:
Russian President, Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a full-scale “special military operation” in Ukraine, after demanding an end to NATO’s eastward expansion. Putin maintained that Ukrainian membership of the US-led Atlantic military alliance was unacceptable to Russians.
The Nigerian Government in a statement issued by the Nigerian Embassy, in Kiev, urged Nigerians resident in Ukraine to remain calm but very vigilant and be responsible for their personal security and safety.
According to the statement issued by the Nigerian Embassy, in Kiev, any Nigerian citizen who finds the ongoing crisis in Ukraine disturbing should temporarily relocate.
The Nigerian Embassy in the statement said, “The attention of the Embassy has been drawn to the declaration of a state of emergency and Martial law on the entire territory of Ukraine except the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by the government of Ukraine, effective from midnight of February 23, 2022, for a period of 30 days, as well as the latest development on the Ukraine-Russia crisis.
“In view of the development, the embassy urges Nigerian Nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but very vigilant and be responsible for their security and safety.
“The embassy wishes to add that should any Nigerian National consider the situation as emotionally disturbing, such National may temporarily relocate to anywhere considered safe by private arrangement. 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.
“Students seeking temporary relocation are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee form from their respective institutions during this period.
“For those who are still considering it appropriate to remain in the country, be rest assured that the embassy remains open for its consular duties and responsibilities at all times.”
Unlike their Nigerian counterpart, India Embassy in Kyiv has informed Indian Nationals that are resident in Ukraine of alternative arrangements being put in place for evacuation. The embassy also provides helplines for its citizens to reach them.
In another development, report has it that Nigeria has the 5th largest delegation of foreign students in Ukraine.
See Full Statement here:
