By Nkechi Eze
Eleven Nigerian miners who were stranded in the Central African Republic have safely returned home following the intervention of the Federal Government. The returnees, who touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, were flown back aboard an Asky Airlines Boeing 747-200 aircraft, with registration number ET-AXO, which arrived at exactly 4:45 p.m.
They were accompanied on the flight by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Ambassador Babagana Ahmed, and were warmly 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.
Upon arrival, the miners were transported from the international wing of the airport to the Hajj Terminal, where they underwent formal reception procedures. They were cleared by officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service and screened by other relevant security agencies before being officially welcomed home.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the NEMA Director General conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians in distress abroad. She noted that the operation reflected the government’s determination to ensure the safe rescue, dignified transportation, and proper reception of citizens facing hardship in foreign lands.
Mrs. Umar expressed the Federal Government’s appreciation for the leadership role of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Intelligence Agency in making the rescue mission a success.
Ambassador Babagana Ahmed, recounting the miners’ ordeal, revealed that they were abandoned by their employers in a remote location in the Central African Republic. Seeking refuge, they turned to the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, which promptly escalated their plight to the Federal Government. He commended President Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and all relevant agencies for their swift and decisive intervention that ensured the safe release and repatriation of the stranded citizens.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Mr. Freeborn Igorigo expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for coming to their aid and for the warm and dignified reception accorded to them upon their return.
The reception ceremony 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, marking a coordinated multi-agency effort to bring the miners home.
