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Russian Sailor, Four Others Kidnapped Off Nigerian Coast


Pirates have kidnapped five foreign sailors -- including a Russian sailor -- after storming their container ship off Nigeria’s oil-producing southern coast.

The International Maritime Bureau -- an international body which fights against crimes related to maritime trade and transportation -- says the heavily armed pirates also broke into the ship’s safe and stole cash.

The attack occurred on April 25 but wasn't reported by authorities to journalists until two days later.

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria confirmed that one of the five kidnapped sailors is a Russian citizen.

The others comprise nationals from Burma and Sri Lanka.

The kidnapping of foreign workers in Nigeria's oil sector is on the rise.

Hostages are often released after a ransom payment is made.

Based on reporting by AFP and ITAR-TASS

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

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