Port Harcourt — Twelve crew members of a foreign vessel abducted by armed gangs on the high seas, off the Atlantic coast of Bonny, Rivers State last Friday have regained their freedom.

However, circumstances which led to their release were unknown at press time, but Daily Champion learnt from security sources that no fewer than 12 of the hostages have been freed.

Seven Russians, two Ukrainians, two Germans and a Lithuanian were taken hostages on Friday near Bonny while the 13th person, a Latvian, was allegedly injured in the attack and left behind by the gunmen.

Earlier, security report over the weekend had linked the attack on two vessels, one of them identified as a German vessel BBC Palonia, with the Fara Dagogo-led ex-militant gang.

A source said the hostages were suspected to have been kept at one of the militant camps near Cawthorn Channel in the Kalabari area of Rivers State.

Efforts to get detailed information on the release of the hostages from spokesman of the NNS Pathfinder, Lt. Edward Yeibo was difficult, as his two mobile phones rang out repeatedly, without a response.

Contacted, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dr. Rita Inoma-Abbey, a Superintendent of Police (SP) said she had heard the information from the spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, but was yet to get details of the development.

But Antigha could not be reached for more information as he refused to pick any of the several calls put across to him or respond to a text message sent for confirmation.