DFA confirms release of 7 Filipino seamen abducted in Nigeria

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the release of seven Filipino seafarers who were kidnapped in Nigeria in September.

READ: 7 Filipino seamen abducted off Nigeria – DFA

According to a statement released by the DFA on Tuesday, the Philippine Embassy in Abuja confirmed the release in its report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.

The seven sailors were among the 12 crew members of the Swiss-owned MV Glarus who were taken by armed men who boarded their vessel on September 22, DFA said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador to Nigeria Shirley Ho-Vicario said all 12 crew members were released on Sunday.

She said the Filipino seafarers are now in Zurich, Switzerland, from where they will be flown to Manila.

The crew members were reported to have been taken by the gunmen as the vessel was making its way from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Vicario added. /muf