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The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully rescued a group of Nigerian workers who were stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR), following distress calls and a widely circulated video that raised alarm over their condition.
This development was officially disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 29, by Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
IREPORT247NEWS reported that the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on July 25, revealed that officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, the capital of CAR, have located and engaged with the affected individuals.
According to the statement, the workers, who had earlier accused their Chinese employer of withholding their passports and confining them to the remote Bambari region—located approximately 850 kilometres from the country’s capital, Bangui—have now been safely located, rescued, and brought under the care of Nigerian authorities.
Mr. Ebienfa stated that upon seeing the viral video of the affected workers, the Ministry swiftly acted by contacting officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui. The embassy subsequently reached out to the victims, confirmed their location, and collaborated with relevant authorities in CAR to secure their release and safety.
He further explained that the Nigerian officials were able to retrieve the workers’ confiscated passports and arranged for a vehicle to evacuate them from Bambari to Bangui. The rescued individuals are now in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in the capital city.
“The stranded Nigerian workers in CAR have been successfully rescued and are currently in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui. We commend the staff of the Embassy and the Government of the Central African Republic for their cooperation in carrying out this successful operation,” the statement read.
Mr. Ebienfa also revealed that the Ministry is working closely with a local company to provide the rescued Nigerians with accommodation and ensure their welfare while arrangements are being finalized for their repatriation back to Nigeria.
In addition to the rescue efforts, the spokesperson issued a strong advisory to Nigerians seeking job opportunities abroad. He urged them to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of foreign employers and ensure that all necessary documentation is in place before embarking on such journeys.
“It is essential that Nigerians traveling abroad for employment confirm the authenticity of their prospective employers and maintain valid travel documentation,” Ebienfa warned.
He also emphasized the importance of registering with Nigerian embassies in host countries, saying: “We advise all Nigerians, especially those working overseas, to register themselves and their employees with the nearest Nigerian Embassy. This step is critical for timely intervention and support in the event of any consular or emergency issues.”
The Ministry praised the swift intervention of its officials and acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming that “Nigeria is working” and that the welfare of its citizens abroad remains a top priority for the present administration.