NiDCOM secures rescue of Nigerians stranded in Central African Republic

By Olakunle Oke

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has acted swiftly following a distress call about several Nigerians reportedly stranded and subjected to mistreatment in the Central African Republic (CAR). The intervention came after a viral video circulated online showing the victims appealing for help from the Nigerian government.

According to the video, the individuals had been deceived into travelling to the CAR under false pretences and were forced to work without pay for 11 months under inhumane conditions. Their passports were seized, leaving them without identification or the means to leave the country.

After receiving the report, NiDCOM contacted the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, CAR’s capital. Embassy officials have since traced the victims, retrieved their confiscated passports and arranged for their transfer to the embassy for safety.

A bus has been organised to transport the group to Bangui, a journey expected to take no less than eight hours. The agent responsible for the exploitation has been identified, and investigations into the case are continuing.

NiDCOM commended the embassy staff for their rapid response and assured the public of its sustained commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad, pledging continued action to safeguard citizens in distress.