Reuters AlertNet Lite - Gunmen release hijacked Nigerian ship, free crew

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Gunmen release hijacked Nigerian ship, free crew

18 Nov 2008 20:46:29 GMT
Source: Reuters

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Gunmen in Nigeria have released a cargo ship and its crew, a day after hijacking it in the restive Niger Delta, a senior military official said on Tuesday.

The attackers intercepted the MV Thou Galaxy on Sunday as it sailed for Warri in Delta state, seizing at least 10 people on board including the captain.

"The vessel was released yesterday with its cargo and all the crew members," said Brigadier-General Wuyep Rimtip, head of the military taskforce in the western Niger Delta.

"I'm not aware that any ransom was paid before their release and I don't expect the state government to pay any ransom for their release."

A military spokesman on Monday said he believed gunmen loyal to rebel leader Tom Polo were behind the attack.

Insecurity in the Niger Delta, home to Nigeria's oil sector, has slashed a fifth of the OPEC member's oil production since early 2006.

(For full Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: http://africa.reuters.com/ )

(Reporting by Austin Ekeinde; Writing by Randy Fabi, editing by Mark Trevelyan)

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