The South Korean foreign ministry announced on Saturday that two of its citizens, who were abducted nearly three weeks ago in southern Nigeria by an unidentified armed group, have been successfully released.

The victims, employees of Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., a prominent South Korean builder, were kidnapped on December 12, as reported by Seoul’s Yonhap news agency.

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Kidnappings for ransom are not uncommon in Nigeria, particularly targeting foreign workers engaged in remote mining or construction projects.

The South Korean authorities, in collaboration with the Nigerian military, police, and intelligence agencies, worked closely with the victims’ employer to secure their release.

The foreign ministry, however, did not disclose whether any ransom was paid.

During the abduction incident, the armed group tragically killed four bodyguards, who were Nigerian soldiers, and two local drivers, according to a statement from Seoul.

The released South Korean nationals have undergone a medical examination, relocated to a safe area, and communicated with their families via phone, confirming their good health.

The South Korean government expressed condolences for the lives lost during the incident and vowed to continue evaluating measures for the protection of its nationals in Nigeria.

Emphasizing active engagement with relevant government agencies, businesses, and overseas Koreans, Seoul aims to prevent future kidnapping incidents.

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This incident sheds light on the security challenges faced by foreign companies operating in Nigeria, particularly those involved in infrastructure projects.

As the South Korean government remains committed to safeguarding its citizens abroad, concerns about the safety of foreign workers persist in the region.