Stranded Nigerian miners in CAR arrive embassy

A group of Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) have safely arrived at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, following swift intervention by embassy officials and CAR security forces.

The miners had earlier appeared in a viral video pleading for help after being abandoned by their employers.

According to reports, they were recruited by a Chinese national and a Nigerian agent, who left them unpaid and stranded for 11 months.

The journey to the capital took several days, during which the miners were reportedly distressed, traumatised, and physically weakened.

In an update on Wednesday, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed that the miners are now in the care of embassy officials, who are making arrangements for their return to Nigeria.

“The agent who lured them into the job scam is currently based in Nigeria, has been identified, and is expected to face prosecution,” the statement added.

NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Publicity, and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the miners expressed their appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, embassy staff, CAR security agencies, and Nigerians who amplified their plight.