The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed that a group of stranded Nigerian miners in the Central African Republic (CAR) have safely arrived at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, the country’s capital.

The miners, who were allegedly lured to the country by a Nigerian agent in collaboration with a Chinese national, had earlier made a public appeal for help through a viral video.

In the footage, the victims—visibly weak, distressed—claimed they had been abandoned without pay for 11 months after being hired for mining work.

Following the development, there was a swift response from the Nigerian Embassy in CAR, in collaboration with the country’s security forces.

The officials successfully located the miners and accompanied them on a multi-day journey from their remote location to the capital city.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit at NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the rescue was made possible through the joint efforts of embassy staff and military personnel of CAR.

He said the victims, now in the care of Nigerian officials, are expected to be repatriated soon.

Balogun said the victims expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Nigerian Ambassador to CAR, Babagana Ahmed; and the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for their prompt intervention.

They also thanked the Nigerian Embassy, CAR security agencies, and Nigerians who amplified their story online.

NiDCOM further disclosed that the Nigerian agent who facilitated their journey and abandoned them in CAR has been identified and is currently in Nigeria. Authorities are expected to take legal action against him. (CHANNELS)