Stranded Nigerian Miners in CAR Rescued, Now in Embassy Custody

A group of stranded Nigerian miners in the Central African Republic (CAR) have safely arrived at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui following a viral video plea that drew swift intervention from Nigerian and CAR authorities.

The miners, who were hired by a Chinese national and a Nigerian agent for mining work in the country, were left unpaid and abandoned for 11 months. Their call for rescue—circulated widely across social media—prompted a coordinated response involving officials of the Nigerian Embassy and CAR security forces.

The journey to the capital, Bangui, took several days. Upon arrival, the visibly traumatised and weakened Nigerians were received by embassy officials, who are now making arrangements for their safe return to Nigeria.

In a joint expression of gratitude, the rescued individuals thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, embassy staff, CAR security agencies, and all Nigerians who amplified their plight online.

According to Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Nigerian agent who facilitated the job scam has been identified and is currently based in Nigeria. He is expected to face prosecution.