The Federal Government on Thursday revealed its plan to employ a special flight operation to evacuate Nigerians from Ukraine following the invasion of the country by its neighbour, Russia.
The evacuation plan was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Thursday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine.
Soon after the announcement explosions were heard across Ukraine and its foreign minister warning that a “full-scale invasion” was underway.
In response to the invasion, the ministry, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has received with surprise, reports of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been reassured by the Nigerian Embassy in Ukraine of the safety of Nigerians in that country and measures being undertaken to keep them safe and facilitate the evacuation of those who wish to leave.
“The Federal Government wishes to assure the families with loved ones in Ukraine that as soon as the airports in the country are opened, it would assist in facilitating the evacuation of Nigerians who are willing to leave.
“In the meantime, the Nigerian Mission has confirmed that military action by the Russians has been confined to military installations.”
FirstNews reported that the House of Representatives, during its plenary earlier Thursday morning, had called for the immediate evacuation of Nigerians in Ukraine.
Reps Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, had at the plenary, agreed with a lawmaker, Leke Abejide, to interact with the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema to evacuate Nigerians from Ukraine by Monday, February 28.