Two Koreans Kidnapped by Nigerian Armed Group Released After 17 Days

Daewoo E&C announced on the 30th that two employees who were kidnapped in Nigeria have been released after 17 days. "All kidnapped employees are currently in good health and will return home as soon as possible following local procedures," the company stated. The photo shows the head of Daewoo E&C's Plant Business Division embracing the released employees.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Two Koreans who were kidnapped by a local armed group in Nigeria were safely released after 17 days.

On the 30th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that two Korean nationals who were kidnapped by armed assailants around 10 a.m. on the 12th (local time, around 6 p.m. Korean time) in southern Nigeria were released around 2 p.m. the previous day (around 10 p.m. Korean time).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Both released nationals are in good health," and added, "After a hospital examination, they were moved to a safe area and contacted their families."

The two nationals are employees of Daewoo Construction and were reportedly kidnapped by the armed group while moving from Baran in southern Nigeria to another construction site.

During the incident, four security personnel, including soldiers guarding the two Koreans, and two local drivers were shot and killed on the spot by the armed group.

In Nigeria, kidnapping incidents have been increasing amid worsening economic difficulties and political turmoil. Currently, several major domestic companies have operations in Nigeria, employing about 340 workers.

Immediately after the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the Overseas Korean Protection Countermeasures Headquarters and has been working with Nigerian authorities and others to confirm the safety and secure the whereabouts of the Korean nationals.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "We will review the overseas Korean protection measures in Nigeria and continue proactive prevention activities, including devising self-help measures together with related embassies, companies, and overseas Koreans to prevent kidnapping incidents in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.