Russia denies paying ransom for its citizens' release in Nigeria

Moscow, Aug 8 (UNI) Russia today denied paying ransom to secure release of its six citizens kidnapped and taken hostage in Nigeria in June.

The Russian embassy in Nigeria today confirmed the release of the hostages, working for the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria, a subsidiary of Russian aluminum giant UC RusAl.

The group involved in kidnapping have a history in Nigeria's political life, Russia's special envoy for international cooperation in fighting terrorism and transnational organised crime, Anatoly Safonov told Interfax news agency. ''The terms of our citizens' release were political and of another nature,'' he said, adding that there was no talk about the ransom.

Mr Safonov said the release became possible due to a coordinated effort made by all concerned parties.

Media reports earlier said a ransom of 4,80,000 dollars was demanded by the kidnappers.

Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed the release and thanked those involved in negotiations.

''It was a long and determined effort. We are satisfied that the issue has been resolved successfully,'' an official spokesman said.

The spokesperson for the RusAl company Vera Kurochkina informed that all those released were safe would return to Moscow soon.

UNI