In a significant move to protect its citizens abroad, the Nigerian Government has initiated the repatriation process for six Nigerian nationals who were abandoned by a Chinese mining company in the Central African Republic (CAR) after months of unpaid labour. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed in a statement released on Friday that the affected individuals will be evacuated from their remote location and are expected to arrive in the capital city, Bangui, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Preparations for their return to Nigeria are reportedly underway.

The rescue effort follows a disturbing video that went viral on social media, showing the stranded Nigerian workers pleading for help. They recounted how they were taken to CAR by a Chinese-owned firm, Rado Central Coal Mining Company, with promises of paid employment. However, after over ten months in the country, they claim they have not received any salaries for at least six months. Their ordeal worsened after they were allegedly arrested and detained by the Central African government for an unspecified reason.

Upon release, the company reportedly moved them to a bush location approximately 850 kilometres from Bangui, cutting them off from civilisation. Their exact location was identified as Senye, under the Bambari region of CAR. The Nigerians appealed directly to the federal government and citizens back home, expressing desperation and fear for their lives. They named the Chinese nationals behind the mining operations as Mr. Yang and Mr. Wu, believed to still be in the country. The company is said to have a registered presence in Nigeria under the same business name.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui have established contact with the stranded individuals and have taken immediate steps to ensure their safety and repatriation. According to the statement, the workers’ passports have been recovered, and transportation arrangements have been made to bring them out of the bush into the capital. A vehicle was dispatched for the journey to Bangui, and security arrangements, including military escort, have been organized to ensure their safe transit.

In the meantime, the Ministry is actively engaging the Chinese mining company to ensure the welfare and temporary accommodation of the workers until their return to Nigeria is fully arranged. Discussions are ongoing to hold the company accountable for its role in the ordeal faced by the Nigerian nationals.

The Nigerian Government reiterated its commitment to the protection and dignity of its citizens around the world. In addition, the Ministry issued a strong advisory to Nigerians seeking employment abroad to conduct due diligence on prospective employers and secure proper documentation before traveling. Citizens were also urged to register with the Nigerian Embassy upon arrival in any foreign country, to facilitate consular support in cases of emergency.

The troubling incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and stronger oversight on foreign labour recruitment involving Nigerian citizens. As the government moves to bring the six victims home, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrant workers and the critical importance of diplomatic vigilance and intervention.