Kidnapped Belgian freed in Nigeria

BRUSSELS — The Belgian and Moroccan nationals kidnapped last week in Nigeria have been freed.

Both hostages were in good health, their employer Dredging International said. No ransom money was paid to secure their release.

The two hostages were kidnapped on 5 August in the south of Nigeria and were released at about 4pm on Monday.

Dredging International spokesman Hubert Fiers said no ransom money was paid, stressing that such an achievement was a rare occurrence.

Fiers also said the two were in good health, newspaper 'De Morgen' reported on Tuesday.

"The circumstances in which they were forced to live were difficult, but they were given sufficient
food and water," he said.

Fiers said the duo will be examined by the Tropical Institute upon their return to Belgium for any diseases.

They will board a flight for Belgium on Tuesday night and are expected to arrive at Zaventem Airport in Brussels on Wednesday morning.