By Bavoriat Clara
Eleven Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) have been successfully repatriated following the intervention of the Federal Government.
They arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, 14 August 2025.
The returnees, accompanied by Nigeria’s Ambassador to CAR, Ambassador Babagana Ahmed, were received by a Federal Government delegation led by the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong.
The Asky Airlines Boeing 747-200 aircraft (registration ET-AXO) touched down in Abuja at exactly 4:45 p.m. From the international wing, the miners were conveyed to the Hajj Terminal, where they underwent immigration clearance, security screening, and formal reception.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, NEMA’s Director General welcomed the citizens home, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians in distress anywhere in the world.
She commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Nigerian Intelligence Agency for their critical roles in the operation.
Ambassador Ahmed explained that the miners had been abandoned by their employers in a remote location before reaching out to the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui for help.
He lauded President Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies for their swift intervention.
Responding on behalf of the group, Mr. Freeborn Igorigo expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Federal Government for the timely rescue and dignified reception.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Air Force, and Department of State Services.
admin