
……Embassy Confirms Safe Arrival
A group of Nigerians recently stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) after falling victim to a fraudulent mining job scheme have safely arrived at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, the country’s capital, following a coordinated rescue operation.
Their plight sparked national outrage after a viral video surfaced online, showing the distressed individuals—abandoned by their employer and unpaid for 11 months, pleading for urgent assistance. The Nigerian Embassy in CAR, working in conjunction with local security forces, responded swiftly, leading to the group’s safe evacuation from a remote mining site.
The arduous journey to Bangui spanned several days. On arrival, the victims—visibly exhausted and emotionally shaken—were received and given initial care by embassy officials.
According to their accounts, the group was recruited by a Chinese national and a Nigerian agent for supposed mining work in CAR. However, upon arrival, they were left stranded with no pay or basic support. Investigations have identified the Nigerian agent responsible, who is currently in Nigeria and expected to face prosecution.
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Confirming the development, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocol at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), assured the public that the victims are now in safe custody. He noted that NiDCOM is collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure their safe return home.
The rescued individuals expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in CAR, CAR security agencies, and all Nigerians who advocated for their rescue and amplified their voices.