By Olakunle Oke
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has coordinated the rescue of several Nigerian nationals who were reportedly stranded and subjected to mistreatment in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The intervention followed the circulation of a viral video in which the victims appealed to the Nigerian government for assistance.
According to accounts from the video, the group had been lured to the CAR under false promises. Upon arrival, they endured harsh conditions and were forced to work without pay for 11 months. Their passports were confiscated, leaving them undocumented and unable to leave the country.
After receiving the report, NiDCOM engaged with officials at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui. Embassy staff subsequently traced the victims, recovered their seized travel documents and began arrangements to move them safely to the embassy.
A bus has been scheduled to transport the rescued Nigerians to Bangui, a journey expected to take at least eight hours. Authorities have also identified the agent behind the exploitation, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.
NiDCOM commended the Nigerian Embassy personnel in CAR for what it described as a swift and effective operation.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians overseas and pledged to continue supporting citizens in distress situations.
