Nigeria: Gunmen release 3 Chinese technicians kidnapped in country’s restive southern delta

Nigeria: 3 kidnapped Chinese technicians released

LAGOS, Nigeria — China’s government news agency says three Chinese technicians kidnapped in Nigeria’s restive southern delta have been released.

The official Xinhua News Agency quotes an unnamed Chinese diplomat saying the three men were freed Saturday morning. The diplomat said the three men, who worked for a Nigerian steel company, were in good condition and were expected to return to China soon. Gunmen seized the men May 23.

The diplomat did not say whether a ransom had been paid for their release.

The U.S. State Department says more than 110 expatriates have been kidnapped in Nigeria since January 2009, with six killed. Most kidnappings occur in the oil-rich Niger Delta, where militants target oil workers and pipelines.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — China’s government news agency says three Chinese technicians kidnapped in Nigeria’s restive southern delta have been released.

The official Xinhua News Agency quotes an unnamed Chinese diplomat saying the three men were freed Saturday morning. The diplomat said the three men, who worked for a Nigerian steel company, were in good condition and were expected to return to China soon. Gunmen seized the men May 23.

The diplomat did not say whether a ransom had been paid for their release.

The U.S. State Department says more than 110 expatriates have been kidnapped in Nigeria since January 2009, with six killed. Most kidnapping occur in the oil-rich Niger Delta, where militants targeted oil workers and pipelines.