FG Rescues Nigerian Workers Stranded in Central African Republic After Alleged Abandonment by Chinese Mining Company
The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully rescued a group of Nigerian workers stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) after a viral video surfaced showing them pleading for help, claiming they had been abandoned by their Chinese employer.
The workers had been employed by Rado Central Coal Mining Company in Bambari, located about 850 kilometres from the capital city, Bangui. They were left in harsh conditions without any means to return home.
In a statement released on Tuesday, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui located the stranded workers, retrieved their passports, and facilitated their evacuation to Bangui.
The operation comes amid growing concern over the safety and treatment of Nigerians employed in remote or conflict-affected areas under foreign companies, particularly in countries like CAR.
“Stranded Nigerian workers in the Central African Republic have been successfully rescued and are currently in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui,” Ebienfa stated. He commended the swift action of the embassy staff and acknowledged the support provided by the Central African Republic government.
The Ministry also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad and pledged to treat such matters with urgency and diligence.
Earlier, Journalists had revealed that the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria had launched an investigation into allegations that a Chinese mining firm abandoned several Nigerian workers in CAR. The inquiry was prompted by widespread public outrage following the circulation of a video showing the miners calling for help.
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said it “attaches great importance” to the reports and has initiated a fact-finding mission to verify the circumstances.
The Embassy further assured that it would urge the company involved to take full responsibility, remain in contact with Nigerian authorities, and ensure the rights and welfare of both Nigerian and Chinese nationals are protected.
“The Chinese government consistently mandates that all Chinese enterprises and citizens operating abroad strictly comply with local laws and regulations,” the Embassy stated. “The Chinese side will urge the involved companies to address this matter appropriately, maintain close communication with Nigerian authorities, and work together to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of citizens of both nations.”
