External Affairs minister, Sushma Swaraj, has tweeted that five Indian sailors have reportedly been abducted by pirates in Nigeria.
In her tweet, she also mentioned that she has already asked the Indian ambassador in Nigeria, Abhay Thakur, to take the matter up with the Nigerian government and to ensure that the abducted sailors are released at the earliest.
“I have seen news reports about abduction of five Indian sailors by pirates in Nigeria. I am asking Indian High Commissioner to take this up at the highest level with Government of Nigeria for their release,” she tweeted.
Further to this, she has also requested for a report to be sent to her on this matter.
I have seen news reports about abduction of five Indian sailors by pirates in Nigeria. I am asking Indian High Commissioner to take this up at the highest level with Government of Nigeria for their release.
Abhay – Please take this up and send me a report. @india_nigeria
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 7, 2019
According to reports, the abductions happened over two weeks back and the families reported that they had been unable to contact them for a few days.
The matter came to the limelight when one of the sailors wives appealed to Sushma Swaraj on Twitter giving the details. She mentioned that her husband had been kidnapped from the MT APECUS (IMO 733810) vessel.
The High Commission also said that the abductors have made initial contact.
Further reports are awaited.