The Federal Government (FG) has begun efforts to rescue and repatriate a group of Nigerian workers stranded in the Bambari region of the Central African Republic.

This move follows the circulation of a viral video showing the distressed Nigerians, who were reportedly abandoned by their employers and facilitators about 850km from the country’s capital, Bangui.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the government confirmed that officials from the Nigerian Mission in the Central African Republic have made contact with the affected nationals.

According to the statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui is actively working with local authorities to guarantee the safety, welfare, and speedy repatriation of the stranded citizens.

It partly read, “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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the affected Nigerians have been contacted by the hardworking officials of our Mission in the Central African Republic, and the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui is actively engaging with relevant authorities to ensure the safety, protection, and swift repatriation of the affected Nigerian nationals.”

Retrieved passports

The ministry also disclosed that their passports had been retrieved and a vehicle had been dispatched for their evacuation.

“Their passports have been retrieved successfully, and a vehicle has been sent to Bambari to evacuate the stranded Nigerians to Bangui.

“They are likely to arrive in the capital city with a military escort on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Discussions are also ongoing with the company for their accommodation and welfare while in Bangui and their subsequent repatriation to Nigeria,” the statement added.

While reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerians abroad, the Federal Government urged those seeking jobs overseas to ensure due diligence in verifying employers and securing proper travel documentation.

“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 said.