FG confirms rescue of Nigerians stranded in Central African Republic

The federal government says Nigerian workers stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) have been successfully rescued and are now in the custody of the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui.

The rescue follows the circulation of a distressing video showing several Nigerians in dire conditions in the Bambari region, about 850 kilometres from the capital.

The footage sparked outrage and prompted urgent calls for government intervention.

In a statement released Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government confirmed the safe retrieval of the stranded nationals.

“Good news. 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,” the statement reads.

“A very big commendation to the staff of the Embassy and the Government of the Central African Republic for the successful operation.”

The ministry also praised the swift response of embassy staff and acknowledged the support of the Central African Republic’s government in facilitating the operation.

Arrangements are reportedly underway for the safe repatriation of the rescued individuals.

On Thursday, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) had earlier revealed that contact had been established with the stranded citizens.

“It is gratifying to inform members of the public that contact has been established with them, their seized passports retrieved while plans are on to send a bus to convey them to the embassy in Bangui which is at least an eight hour drive. The agent in question has also been identified,” NiDCOM said.