By Miriam Humbe
Eleven Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic have been transported safely back to Nigeria through the intervention of the Federal Government.
They arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, 14th August 2025.
The returnees were accompanied by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Ambassador Babagana Ahmed, and were received on arrival 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, with registration number ET-AXO, conveying the returnees 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.
The Director General of NEMA 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.
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.
