The Nigerian government has launched a coordinated effort to rescue a group of its citizens stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR), following alarming reports of abuse and abandonment by a Chinese mining company operating in the country.

The rescue mission, spearheaded by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), comes after a viral video surfaced online showing a group of distressed Nigerian miners recounting how they were trafficked under false pretenses, forced into unpaid labor for nearly a year, and had their passports confiscated.

The video, which drew widespread public attention and outrage, prompted swift action from both the Nigerian government and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.

In a statement released over the weekend, NiDCOM confirmed that it has made direct contact with the affected individuals and successfully recovered their seized passports. Plans are currently underway to transport the victims to the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, the CAR capital — a journey that will take roughly eight hours by road. Officials have also identified the local agent reportedly responsible for luring the miners into the exploitative situation.

The Chinese Embassy has responded to the controversy by announcing that it has opened an investigation into the conduct of the company involved. It stressed that China expects all its companies and citizens abroad to operate within the boundaries of host country laws, and promised to work closely with Nigerian authorities to resolve the matter and protect the rights of all affected.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that diplomatic efforts are in full swing. Embassy staff in Bangui are coordinating with local CAR officials to ensure the victims’ safety and secure their immediate relocation. Reports indicate that the miners are expected to arrive in the capital on Saturday, July 26, under military escort. Arrangements for temporary shelter and eventual repatriation are also being handled.

The federal government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Nigerians overseas and urged citizens to verify the legitimacy of foreign job offers before traveling.

The incident has reignited calls for stricter regulation and monitoring of overseas employment schemes, especially those involving Nigerian labor in foreign mining and construction sectors.