This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

11 Indians Have Been Released From Nigerian Prison, Confirms Sushma Swaraj

11 Indians Have Been Released From Nigerian Prison, Confirms Sushma Swaraj
NEW DELHI, INDIA - JUNE 19: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with Minister of State V.K. Singh during an annual press conference at Ministry of External Affairs, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, on June 19, 2016 in New Delhi, India. Swaraj said, 'China is not protesting membership of India in NSG, it is only talking of criteria procedure.' She also said India would not oppose any other application for entry into the NSG but underlined the final decision should be decided on merits. (Photo by Arvind Yadav/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
NEW DELHI, INDIA - JUNE 19: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with Minister of State V.K. Singh during an annual press conference at Ministry of External Affairs, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, on June 19, 2016 in New Delhi, India. Swaraj said, 'China is not protesting membership of India in NSG, it is only talking of criteria procedure.' She also said India would not oppose any other application for entry into the NSG but underlined the final decision should be decided on merits. (Photo by Arvind Yadav/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

NEW DELHI -- 11 Indians who had been languishing in a Nigerian prison for two years have been released, confirmed External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Employees of a Merchant Navy firm, the crew's ship got stranded in Nigeria and the entire crew was arrested for violating laws of international waters in 2014.

In a tweet, Swaraj also appreciated the efforts of High Commissioner in Nigeria BN Reddy for expediting their repatriation.

The 11 Indians including JogenDas jailed in Nigeria have been released!!special thanks 2 @SushmaSwaraj who took up d cause!! Thanks madam!!

— Ritabrata Banerjee (@RitabrataBanerj) July 3, 2016

I appreciate the efforts of our High Commissioner in Nigeria Shri B.N.Reddy for expediting their repatriation. https://t.co/hBHxSrekR0

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 3, 2016

Meanwhile, Swaraj has said that the Government is making all efforts to secure the release of two Indians abducted from Gboko, a town in the Benue state of north-central Nigeria.

One of the captive is Anish Sharma from Karnataka and another is Mangipudi Sai Srinivas from Andhara Pradesh.

Both were travelling to Dangote Cement Plant in a car from their residential quarters last Wednesday, when a group of armed men kidnapped them at a traffic signal.

Swaraj said that she spoke to Anish Sharma's wife and assured her that the Government is doing its best to secure their release from abductors.

In a tweet she said she has deputed a senior officer to update the family regularly.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup had on Friday described the abduction as "nothing surprising or new in that area", saying such incidents keep happening there.

Also On HuffPost India:

1. Hey! That's us!

Mythology Meets Digital Age

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.