OREANDA-NEWS. August 8, 2007. The six kidnapped Russian citizens, comprising five UC RUSAL employees and one employee's relative, were released today in Nigeria. They were taken hostage on June 3, 2007 in the company’s residential compound near the town of Ikot Abasi, Nigeria.

The release of the hostages was the result of coordinated actions undertaken by UC RUSAL, Nigerian and Russian authorities, and security services.

Alexander Bulygin, UC RUSAL CEO commented on the release: “We would like to thank everyone who helped to secure the safe return of our employees and especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria and Russian and Nigerian security services. On behalf of the company, I would like to especially thank the former hostages and their families for their courage, perseverance and understanding”.