Two South Korean nationals, who were abducted nearly three weeks ago by an unidentified armed group in Nigeria, have been released, according to the foreign ministry in Seoul. Kidnappings for ransom are prevalent in Nigeria, with criminal gangs frequently targeting foreign workers, especially those engaged in remote mining or construction projects.
The two abducted Koreans, employees of Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., a major South Korean builder, were seized in southern Nigeria on December 12, as reported by Seoul’s Yonhap news agency. South Korean authorities secured their release on Friday, ensuring their safety and confirming they are in good health. The individuals underwent a medical examination and have communicated with their families via phone.
The foreign ministry credited the successful release to “close cooperation” between the South Korean government, the company, and collaborative efforts with Nigerian military, police, and intelligence authorities. The statement did not specify whether any ransom was paid. Unfortunately, during the abduction, members of the armed group killed four bodyguards (Nigerian soldiers) and two local drivers, as mentioned in Seoul’s official statement.
The South Korean government expressed its commitment to reviewing measures for the protection of its nationals in Nigeria, vowing to actively engage with relevant government agencies, businesses, and overseas Koreans to prevent future kidnapping incidents.
Incidentally, the kidnapping occurred when gunmen ambushed a Daewoo convoy along the Ahoada/Abua East-West axis in Rivers State. The assailants shot four soldiers and two drivers dead while kidnapping two expatriates from the company. The incident transpired around 9:30 a.m. when the victims were en route to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.