Embassy issues travel advisory to Nigerians in Ukraine

The Embassy of Nigeria in Ukraine has issued travel advisory to Nigerians in the country after Russia launched war on the Eastern European nation.

Russia Defence Ministry has announced that its military has started full scale war in Ukraine after weeks of denials by President Vladimir Putin that his country has no intention of invading Ukraine.

Explosions have been heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev and other major cities after Vladimir Putin announced that a military operation had begun.

As a result of this, the Ukraine government declared a state of emergency in the nation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Nigeria Embassy asked all Nigerians in Ukraine to remain calm but “very vigilant”.

The Embassy also urged Nigerians to be responsible for their personal security and safety while in the country.

“The attention of the Embassy has been drawn to a declaration of 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 mid-night of February 23, 2022 for a period of 30 days as well as the latest development on the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

“With this, regional (OBLAST) commissions are to decide on the necessary security measures to adopt in strengthening the protection of public order and facilities for the safety of the citizenry and running of the economy in their domains. It can be restriction of movement, an additional inspection and verification of certain documents of individuals, among others. These are preventive measures aimed at ensuring that the country remains calm and the economy continue to function uninterrupted, while it lasted.

“In view of this development, 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 statement read in part.

According to the Embassy, any Nigerian can move to anywhere safe via private arrangement if they find their present location disturbing.

On Nigerian students in Ukraine, the Embassy urged them to liaise with their respective schools before relocating.

“The Embassy wishes to add that should any of Nigerian nationals considers the situation as emotionally disturbing, such nationals may wish to temporary relocate to anywhere consider 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,” the statement added.