FG Moves to Rescue Stranded Nigerians in Central African Republic

The Federal Government has announced plans to rescue and repatriate a group of Nigerian workers stranded in the Central African Republic.

In a statement released Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that its officials have made contact with the affected individuals, who were seen in a viral video pleading for help after being abandoned by their employers and facilitators in the Bambari region — located about 850 kilometres from the capital, Bangui.

Spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui is working closely with local authorities to guarantee the safety and welfare of the stranded nationals.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is deeply concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers currently stranded in the Central African Republic. The video of the stranded Nigerian nationals in the Bambari region, which is about 850 kilometers from the capital Bangui and abandoned by their employers and facilitators, has been trending on various social media platforms,” the statement read.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the affected Nigerians have been contacted by the hardworking officials of our Mission in the Central African Republic, and the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui is actively engaging with relevant authorities to ensure the safety, protection, and swift repatriation of the affected Nigerian nationals.”

According to the ministry, the stranded workers’ passports have been recovered, and arrangements have been made for their evacuation to Bangui.

“Their passports have been retrieved successfully, and a vehicle has been sent to Bambari to evacuate the stranded Nigerians to Bangui. They are likely to arrive in the capital city with a military escort on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Discussions are also ongoing with the company for their accommodation and welfare while in Bangui and their subsequent repatriation to Nigeria,” the statement added.

Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding citizens abroad, the Federal Government advised Nigerians travelling for work to exercise caution and verify employers’ credibility before departure.

“The Federal Government reiterates its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens everywhere in the world.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise Nigerians travelling abroad for work to verify the credibility of their employers and ensure proper documentation before departure. Nigerians are also advised to register their presence and that of their employees with the Embassy of Nigeria whenever they are in any foreign country to avert unpleasant experiences in the event of consular issues,” the ministry added.