The Federal Government has announced plans to rescue and repatriate a group of Nigerian workers who were left stranded in the Bambari region of the Central African Republic, following a viral video that brought their plight to public attention.
This update was made known in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Friday. The statement confirmed that Nigerian officials in the Central African Republic have successfully reached the affected individuals, who were reportedly abandoned by their employers and travel facilitators in the remote Bambari area, approximately 850 kilometers from the nation’s capital, Bangui.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui has initiated contact with local authorities to prioritize the safety and welfare of the stranded citizens and expedite their repatriation.
“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.
It further noted that the Nigerian Mission has successfully retrieved the passports of the affected individuals and dispatched a vehicle to evacuate them from Bambari. Their journey to Bangui is expected to be secured with a military escort, with their arrival slated for Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Discussions are currently ongoing with the company responsible for employing the workers to ensure proper arrangements for their accommodation and upkeep while in Bangui, ahead of their return to Nigeria.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian citizens abroad, the Federal Government emphasized the importance of due diligence when seeking job opportunities overseas.
“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 statement concluded.
What You Should Know
A group of Nigerian workers abandoned in Bambari, Central African Republic, are being rescued by the Federal Government. Their evacuation is underway, and arrangements are being made for their safe return home.
The government urges Nigerians seeking overseas jobs to verify employer legitimacy and maintain proper documentation to prevent future risks.
