The Nigeria government has arranged a special flight operation to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama told local media that the Nigerian embassy in Kyiv has been contacted to finalise the arrangements for those willing to return to the country.

He said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has arranged for a special flight operation to evacuate our citizens from Ukraine in view of the escalating tension between that country and Russia.

“The Nigerian embassy in Kyiv has been contacted to arrange those wishing to return home from other areas including Donestk and Luhensk.

Meanwhile, Russian police have detained more than 1,700 people at anti-war protests across dozens of cities as thousands took to the streets after President Vladimir Putin sent troops to invade Ukraine, many in Russia are against Putin’s plans to attack the pro-Western neighbour.