Tobias Sylvester
The Federal Government through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has urged the country’s citizens living in Ukraine to be security conscious over alleged Russian nation.
Tensions Between Ukraine and Russia
It was gathered that the tensions between the two countries stem from the protracted Russia-Ukrainian war that began in early 2014.
Russia had annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and allegedly threw its weight behind a separatist rebellion after then-President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted.
In an interview with ABC, Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, had said “there is a very distinct possibility that Vladimir Putin will order an attack on Ukraine”.
He added: “It could take a number of different forms. It could happen as soon as tomorrow or it could take some weeks yet.”
FG Warn Nigerians
A statement on Sunday by a Media, Public Relations, and Protocol Officer at NiDCOM, Gabriel Odu called on Nigerians living in Ukraine to remain calm and security conscious in view of the strained relations between Ukraine and Russia.
The statement partly read, “Dabiri-Erewa has assured that the Nigerian Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine is doing all it can to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians in that country.
“The NiDCOM boss also urged Nigerian citizens in Ukraine to visit the embassy’s website and duly follow the registration processes (available there).
“Meanwhile a statement from the Nigerian Embassy in Kiev has further provided information and necessary action with regards to emergencies and concerns.”
Meanwhile, President of the United States, Joe Biden, has announced the increase of U.S. troops in Europe to strengthen North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s eastern flank as a response to the build-up of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border.
A total of 1,700 troops will be redeployed from the U.S. to Poland, while a further 300 troops are to be sent to Germany.
In turn, some 1,000 U.S. troops currently stationed in Germany will be redeployed to Romania, which shares a border with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Stephen Townsend said he’s not satisfied with his progress against violent extremists in Africa.
