OREANDA-NEWS. The Russian Embassy in Abuja confirms information about the abduction of two Russians - crew members of the Ambika vessel off the coast of Nigeria, diplomats proceed from the assumption that the abductees are in the country. This was reported to a Russian media correspondent on Tuesday at the consular section of the embassy.

“We confirm information about the abduction of two Russians. The embassy is aware, the embassy is working”, the agency’s interlocutor noted. “All necessary actions are being taken, which should be taken in these cases”. "We assume that the Russians are in Nigeria. The Russian Embassy is in contact with the relevant departments of Nigeria", the diplomat said.

On Monday, the online publication Sahara Reporters reported that pirates attacked an oil dredger off the southern coast of Nigeria, which is used to lay underwater pipelines, taking hostage three crew members - two Russians and one Indian. The attack of the pirates, which occurred on the night of January 2, was accompanied by a shootout between the attackers and the security officers on board the ship. During the battle, four armed guards were killed, two more were injured. Having captured three, the pirates left five crew members on the ship. The 1979 Ambika was built under the flag of Nigeria. Now it works under a contract with Sterling Oil.