The workers, who had been employed by Rado Central Coal Mining Company in Bambari — about 850 kilometres from the capital, Bangui — were left in dire conditions without means to return home.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has said it has rescued a group of Nigerian workers who were stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR), following a viral video that showed them pleading for help after allegedly being abandoned by their Chinese employer.
The workers, who had been employed by Rado Central Coal Mining Company in Bambari — about 850 kilometres from the capital, Bangui — were left in dire conditions without means to return home.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui located the affected nationals, recovered their passports, and arranged for their safe evacuation to the capital city.
The rescue follows growing concerns over the welfare of Nigerians working in remote regions under foreign employers, particularly in conflict-affected areas like CAR.
Ebienfa, said: “Stranded Nigerian workers in the Central African Republic have been successfully rescued and are currently in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui.
“A very big commendation to the staff of the Embassy and the Government of the Central African Republic for the successful operation.”
Ebienfa applauded the prompt intervention of the embassy staff and expressed gratitude to the Central African Republic authorities for their cooperation during the rescue mission.
The Ministry also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to protecting the welfare of Nigerians overseas and emphasized its resolve to handle such incidents with urgency and thoroughness.
Bellnews previously reported that the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has launched an investigation into reports that a Chinese mining company abandoned several Nigerian miners in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The probe follows public outrage triggered by a viral video on social media, which appeared to show Nigerian nationals stranded and seeking help after allegedly being left behind by their Chinese employer in the mineral-rich Central African country.
In a statement, the Embassy said it “attaches great importance” to the reports and has commenced a fact-finding mission to determine the authenticity and details surrounding the situation.
The Embassy assured that it would urge the company involved to handle the situation responsibly, maintain communication with Nigerian authorities, and ensure that the rights and welfare of citizens from both countries are protected.
“The Chinese government consistently mandates that all Chinese enterprises and citizens operating abroad strictly comply with local laws and regulations, ensuring all business operations fully adhere to local legal frameworks.
“The Chinese side will urge the involved companies to address this matter appropriately, maintain close communication with Nigerian authorities throughout the investigation, and work together to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of citizens of both nations.”