Foreign hostages freed in Nigeria

Version 0 of 1.

Four foreign hostages have been freed in oil-rich southern Nigeria, after spending several weeks in captivity.

The men from Britain, France, Pakistan and the Netherlands were handed by mediators to security officials in the city of Port Harcourt.

All of the hostages, who were seized there on 1 June, were unharmed.

The men work for Franco-American oil services group Schlumberger. It is unclear if any ransom was paid for their release.

More than 100 foreigners have been taken hostage in the Niger Delta area in the past six months, and about 30 people are still being held.

The hostages are usually released after ransom money is paid but this is always officially denied.

Militants in the Niger Delta often say they are fighting for larger control of the oil money.

New President Umaru Yar'Adua has said the crisis will be his priority and has called for a ceasefire.