The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed a successful rescue and assured that plans are underway to bring the citizens home safely.
The workers had earlier gone viral in a video where they accused their Chinese employer of seizing their passports and detaining them in the Bambari region a remote area about 850 kilometres away from Bangui, the capital city of CAR.
This disturbing footage sparked widespread concern from the public and authorities alike.
Thankfully, swift action was taken by the Nigerian government through the Embassy in CAR.
According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry, “The stranded Nigerian workers in CAR have been successfully rescued and are currently in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui.”
He added, “A huge commendation to the staff of the Embassy and the Government of CAR for the successful operation.
Nigeria is working. Following the video that went viral the necessary action was taken. God bless the team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and President Bola Tinubu.”
This operation was a result of coordinated efforts between the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its officials in CAR, and the government of the host country.
Moreover, the ministry confirmed that the workers’ passports were successfully retrieved and transportation was provided to move them from Bambari to Bangui.
In addition, arrangements are being made with a company to provide temporary shelter and welfare for the rescued workers while they await repatriation.
The Ministry is working closely with stakeholders to ensure the workers return to Nigeria as soon as possible.
The rescue of these workers not only brings relief to their families but also reassures the public of the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
“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,” he advised.
Ebienfa urged Nigerians planning to work overseas to confirm the legitimacy of their employers before traveling.
