- Safiu Kehinde
The 11 Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic have been transported safely back to the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirms.
NPO Reported that the miners had in a viral video shared on X last month called for the Federal Government’s intervention as they recounted how the Chinese firm that they worked for had abandoned them at a mining site in CAR.
In swift response, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) had contacted the country’s ambassador in CAR who arranged for the evacuation of the miners and return to Nigeria.
Confirming their return in a statement issued on its official X handle, NEMA announced that the miners arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday.
The returnees, according to the statement, were accompanied by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Ambassador Babagana Ahmed.
They were received on arrival by a Federal Government delegation led by the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong.
The miners who were conveyed by an Asky Airlines Boeing 747-200 aircraft, with registration number ET-AXO touched down in Abuja at exactly 4:45 pm.
From the international wing, the returnees were transported to the Hajj Terminal where they were formally received, cleared by the Nigerian Immigration Service, and screened by other relevant security agencies.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Director General of NEMA welcomed the returnees back to Nigeria and conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens in distress, as demonstrated in their safe rescue, dignified transportation, and formal reception.
She acknowledged and appreciated the leading role of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the support of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Intelligence Agency toward the success of the exercise.
On his part, Ambassador Babagana Ahmed narrated how the miners were abandoned by their employers in a remote location in the Central African Republic, after which they sought help from the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui.
He commended President Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and relevant agencies for their swift intervention and support in securing the release and repatriation of the stranded citizens.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Freeborn Igorigo expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for their timely rescue and the warm, dignified reception accorded to them.
The reception was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Custom Service, Nigerian Air Force and Department of State Services.