Russians released in Nigeria (August 08, 2007)

Six Russian expatriates have been released after being stolen away from a company compound in southeastern Nigeria over two months ago.

Five of the hostages were employees of Moscow-based Rusal, while the sixth was a family member of one of the employees.

While reports claimed the Niger Delta Militant Force Squad was responsible for the kidnappings and was demanding a US$480,000 ransom, Russian officials dismissed those reports as rumours and said nothing was paid for their release.

In a prepared statement Rusal said it was the coordinated actions of the company, security services, and Nigerian and Russian authorities, that brought about the release.

On behalf of the company, I would like to especially thank the former hostages and their families for their courage, perseverance and understanding, Alexander Bulygin, Rusals chief executive, said in the release.

Rusal is the worlds largest aluminum producer, accounting for 12.5% and 16% of global production of aluminum and alumina respectively.

It reached that status after merging with SUAL and acquiring Swiss-based Glencores alumina assets in March of this year. Prior to that, in February, it acquired 77% of the Nigerian company Alscon.

Violence in the Niger Delta swelled in 2006 when armed groups stepped up their demand for oil revenues from what they deemed to be a deeply corrupted government. Their violent tactics quickly spread from politically motivated attacks to increasingly common kidnappings that see hostages released once ransoms are paid.

After his election at the end of May, Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua, made settling violence in the south of the country a top priority.

And while onlookers say such policies as negotiating with politically motivated rebels and bringing tribal leaders from the region into his government, has quieted some groups, it has had no effect on groups that operate without political motivations.

Roughly 200 foreigners have been kidnapped since last year most of whom were freed for money.

With the release of the Russians there are now at least four foreigners left in the hands of various delta armed groups.

The situation has lead to the exodus of expatriate workers from the area making for a slowing of the buildup of oil and infrastructure projects.

However, Rusal told the Interfax news agency that the hostage taking would not deter it from continuing to operate in the country.