The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that contact has been successfully established with a group of Nigerian citizens who were reportedly stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR).
In a statement issued on Friday, July 25, 2025, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, revealed that officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, the capital of CAR, have located and engaged with the affected individuals.
This followed widespread concern triggered by a viral video circulating on social media, in which the stranded Nigerians—mainly workers—cried out for help after allegedly being abandoned by their employers and facilitators in the remote Bambari area, approximately 850 kilometres from Bangui.
Acting swiftly, the Nigerian mission in Bangui, in collaboration with local authorities, launched an urgent response to secure the safety and welfare of the affected citizens. Their travel documents, including passports, have been recovered.
In addition, an official vehicle has been dispatched to Bambari to evacuate them, with military personnel providing escort. The evacuees are expected to arrive in Bangui on Saturday, July 26, under armed protection.
The Ministry further stated that diplomatic discussions are ongoing with the company responsible for employing the Nigerians in order to ensure that immediate support—such as temporary shelter and basic welfare—is provided to them in Bangui while arrangements for their return to Nigeria are finalized.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerians abroad, the Ministry emphasized the importance of due diligence before seeking employment in foreign countries. It urged Nigerian citizens to verify the legitimacy of overseas job offers and ensure they possess proper travel and employment documentation before embarking on such journeys.
Additionally, the Ministry advised all Nigerians residing or working abroad to register with the Nigerian Embassy in their host countries. This, the Ministry said, is vital for ensuring timely assistance in the event of emergencies or consular interventions.
