OREANDA-NEWS. On 24 February 2009 was announced, that the two kidnapped employees of RUSAL, both Russian citizens, were released today in Nigeria. They were taken hostage on 20 December 2008.

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

Oleg Deripaska, the CEO of RUSAL, commented on the release: "We would like to thank everyone who helped the company 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. I would like to especially thank the former hostages and their families for their courage, perseverance and understanding".

Both employees are in good state of health and will return to Russia in the near future.