Egypt-Nigeria - The evacuation of stranded Nigerian nationals from crisis-ridden Egypt, ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan, has started, with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) spearheading the exercise. NEMA has already dispatched a chartered jumbo jet to the north African nation, in what could be the first of many such missions, the private Tribune newspaper reported Thursday. NEMA Director-General Muhammad Sani-Sidi is leading the evacuation team that comprises a rescue officer, medical officer and foreign affairs officers.

Most of those affected are those who travelled to Egypt by the country's national carrier, Egypt Air, which has been forced to cancel many flights due to the mass protests rocking the country, thus leaving many of its passengers stranded.

NEMA Spokesman Yushau Shuaib said some 1,500 Nigerian nationals had registered for the evacuation with Nigerian Embassy officials in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

This indicates that even some Nigerians residing in Egypt might be among those seeking evacuation.

Pana 03/02/2011