Twelve Nigerian miners recently repatriated from the Central African Republic (CAR) have shared disturbing accounts of exploitation, abuse, and abandonment by their Chinese employers.

Describing their ordeal as both “horrible” and dehumanizing, the men were brought back to Nigeria following a viral video appeal that attracted widespread attention.

Upon arrival in Abuja, they were received at the headquarters of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) by the Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside other government officials.

In a statement signed by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdurrahman Balogun, the victims recounted months of unpaid labour, physical and sexual abuse, and neglect at isolated mining sites where they were left without food, shelter, or medical attention.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Igorigo Freeborn stated that they were denied salaries for 11 months and endured appalling conditions for nearly two years.

“I’m not ashamed to say this—we were treated in the worst way imaginable,” Freeborn revealed. “We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers, abandoned in the forest, left starving, and denied our wages. But we are grateful to be alive to share our experience.”

He further expressed a renewed sense of hope in the Nigerian system, saying, “I once believed nothing good could come from Nigeria, but the help and support we received changed my perception. I am grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Ambassador to CAR, NIDCOM, NEMA, the Immigration Service, and every agency that played a role in our rescue.”

Freeborn added that they were first taken to Bangui, CAR’s capital, by the Nigerian Mission, where they received medical care before being flown back to Nigeria.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her remarks, strongly condemned the mistreatment, calling it “inhumane and unacceptable.” She assured the returnees that the Nigerian government would pursue the matter through appropriate diplomatic channels and reaffirmed the President’s commitment to safeguarding citizens abroad under his citizen diplomacy policy.

She also encouraged the miners to become advocates against irregular migration by sharing their experiences to educate and protect others.

To support their reintegration, NIDCOM provided each of the returnees with a financial relief package and appealed to Nigerians and private organizations to assist in their rehabilitation.

The rescued individuals include: Igorigo Freeborn, Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun, Olayemi Peter Adewale, Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala, and Yusuf Bameyi.