Nigerian Government Moves to Rescue Citizens Stranded in Central African Republic

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed that swift action is underway to assist a group of Nigerians reportedly stranded and maltreated in the Central African Republic (CAR), following a viral video that drew public concern.

According to the video, the individuals were allegedly trafficked under false pretences and forced to work for 11 months without pay, with their passports confiscated, rendering them stranded and vulnerable. The victims pleaded with the Nigerian government for urgent intervention.

In response, NiDCOM said it immediately contacted officials at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, CAR, to investigate the situation.

The Commission confirmed that contact has now been established with the affected Nigerians and that their confiscated passports have been successfully recovered.

“A bus is being arranged to transport them to the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, which is approximately an eight-hour drive from their current location,” said Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at NiDCOM.

He also disclosed that the agent responsible for their exploitation has been identified, and thanked embassy officials for their prompt intervention in the matter.

NiDCOM assured the public that efforts to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of the affected Nigerians are ongoing, and reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.