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Europeans freed in Nigerian Delta Nigerian army rescues Europeans
(about 1 hour later)
Three European hostages seized last month in the oil-rich Niger Delta have been freed, say Nigerian officials. Three Europeans abducted from a bar last month in the oil-rich Niger Delta have been rescued in a "well-organised operation", says the Nigerian military.
Two Croatians and a Montenegrin oil worker were abducted by unidentified gunmen from a bar in Port Harcourt. Special task force spokesman Mohammed Sagir told the BBC News website the kidnappers were taken by surprise.
The details of their release are unclear, although one report says the Nigerian military rescued them. The two Croatians and a Montenegrin oil worker were taken by unidentified gunmen from Port Harcourt - where many foreign workers are based.
More than 100 foreign workers have been kidnapped in the past year in the area, though most are released within a few days - often after a ransom is paid. There have been dozens of kidnappings, with most freed after a ransom is paid.
A similar operation last November led to the death of a British oil worker and three others in a shootout between Nigerian soldiers and the hostage takers.
Major Sagir said the latest rescue attempt went well because it was "well-organised". "Besides, the sheer size of the rescue team and their superior firepower made it absolutely foolhardy for the militants to put up a fight. So, it was with the least resistance that the hostages were rescued," he said.
Two Italians and a Frenchman, captured by different armed groups, are still being held in the Niger Delta.Two Italians and a Frenchman, captured by different armed groups, are still being held in the Niger Delta.
Thousands of foreign oil workers have left Nigeria since a spate of kidnappings and raids on oil installations began early last year.Thousands of foreign oil workers have left Nigeria since a spate of kidnappings and raids on oil installations began early last year.
Nigeria's oil exports have dropped by 20%.Nigeria's oil exports have dropped by 20%.
The campaign of kidnappings was begun by militants demanding local control of oil wealth, but criminal gangs are now responsible for most of the incidents, correspondents say.The campaign of kidnappings was begun by militants demanding local control of oil wealth, but criminal gangs are now responsible for most of the incidents, correspondents say.