The Nigerian government has launched an urgent operation to rescue and repatriate dozens of Nigerian workers stranded in the Bambari region of the Central African Republic (CAR), following a viral video that surfaced online showing the group pleading for help after reportedly being abandoned by their employers.
The disturbing footage, which circulated widely on social media earlier this week, shows the visibly distressed individuals — believed to be contract workers — stranded 850 kilometers from the capital city, Bangui, with limited access to food, shelter, or communication.
In a statement issued Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it had successfully established contact with the affected Nigerians through the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, and that swift evacuation plans were underway.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is deeply concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers currently stranded in the Central African Republic,” said Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry. “The video from Bambari, showing Nigerians abandoned by their facilitators, has gone viral, prompting immediate diplomatic intervention.”
According to the ministry, the Embassy has retrieved the stranded workers’ passports and dispatched a vehicle to transport them to Bangui, accompanied by a military escort for their safety. The group is expected to arrive in the capital on Saturday, July 26.
“The Embassy is in active contact with local authorities, and discussions are ongoing with the company involved to secure temporary accommodation and welfare support for the affected Nigerians while arrangements for their repatriation are finalized,” the statement added.
This incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by Nigerians seeking employment opportunities abroad without proper documentation or verification.
The Ministry used the occasion to reiterate its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens globally, while also urging prospective migrants to carry out due diligence on foreign employers and recruitment agents.
“The Federal Government advises Nigerians travelling overseas for work to confirm the credibility of their employers and ensure proper documentation,” the ministry stated. “It is also crucial to register with the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate upon arrival in a foreign country to facilitate assistance in cases of emergency.”
The Central African Republic, a nation long plagued by armed conflict and political instability, is a high-risk zone for foreign laborers.
The Nigerian government has previously issued advisories against travel to conflict-prone regions without official clearance or consular oversight.
Human rights groups and migration experts have applauded the government’s swift response, but also called for more proactive policies to prevent similar incidents in the future — including stricter regulation of labor export agencies and greater public awareness campaigns.
