Eleven Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) have safely returned home through the intervention of the Federal Government. They arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
The group was accompanied by Nigeria’s Ambassador to CAR, Babagana Ahmed, and received by a Federal Government delegation led by the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong.
The Asky Airlines Boeing 747-200 aircraft (registration number ET-AXO) touched down at exactly 4:45 p.m. The returnees were moved from the international wing to the Hajj Terminal for formal reception, immigration clearance, and security screening.
Welcoming them, the NEMA Director General reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians in distress abroad, noting the coordinated efforts that ensured their safe rescue, dignified transport, and proper reception. She credited the success of the operation to the leadership of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Intelligence Agency.
Ambassador Ahmed revealed that the miners had been abandoned by their employers in a remote part of CAR before seeking assistance from the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui. He praised President Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and relevant agencies for their swift response.
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Speaking for the returnees, Mr. Freeborn Igorigo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President and the Federal Government for the timely intervention and warm welcome.
The reception was jointly conducted by the Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Air Force, and Department of State Services.
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