( RIA Novosti ) - The Russian Embassy in Nigeria confirmed Wednesday the release of six Russian workers abducted in Nigeria on June 3.
Four male and two female employees, working for the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Russian aluminum giant UC RusAl, were abducted by gunmen who broke into their residence in the southeastern town of Ikot Abasi, killing their Nigerian driver.
"They have been released but we have no specific information yet," said an official at the Russian Embassy in the capital, Lagos. The diplomat said all six hostages were in good health and without visible injuries.
The Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed the release of the Russians and thanked those who were involved in brokering the release.
"It was a long and determined effort," a ministry spokesman said. "We are satisfied that the issue has been resolved successfully."
Media reports earlier said a ransom of $480,000 had been demanded by the captors, but Russian officials dismissed the rumors.