China says five hostages in Nigeria rescued

BEIJING, Jan 18 (Reuters) Five Chinese hostages abducted nearly two weeks ago in Nigeria have been rescued, China's Foreign Ministry said today.

A brief statement on the ministry's Web site said the telecoms engineers were rescued yesterday and expressed China's thanks.

''The Chinese government expresses its gratitude for the support and cooperation given by the Nigerian side,'' it said.

Gunmen broke into the rented apartment where the five were staying in the southern oil-producing Niger Delta on January 5 and forced them away at gunpoint.

In the past, hostages in the Niger Delta have often been kept for a few days in remote settlements before being released unharmed after their employers or local authorities pay the ransom.

REUTERS SP SSC1110