New Delhi: Eighteen Indians kidnapped by pirates from a commercial vessel near the Nigerian coast on December 3, have been released, the Indian mission in the West African nation said on Sunday.
The Indian nationals were kidnapped from a Hong Kong-flagged vessel off the Bonny island after a group of pirates took control of it.
"NiigerianNavy @NigerianNavy and Shipping Company have confirmed release of 18 Indian nationals, taken hostage from MT Nave Constellation on 3 December. Thank all stakeholders involved in their safe release," the Indian mission in Nigeria tweeted.
18 Indians kidnapped by pirates near Nigerian coast released
The Indian nationals were kidnapped from a Hong Kong-flagged vessel off the Bonny island after a group of pirates took control of it.
18 Indians kidnapped by pirates near Nigerian coast released
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The mission had taken up with the Nigerian government the kidnapping of the Indian crew of the vessel.
According to ARX Maritime, a global agency tracking maritime developments in the region, 19 people including 18 Indians were kidnapped from the ship on December 3 after it was taken over by the pirates.