Kidnappers demand cash to free Russian workers in Nigeria

A group claiming responsibility for the abduction of six employees from the Russian aluminium company Rusal says it wants almost $US 500,000 to release them.

The Niger Delta Militant Squad is also demanding better working conditions at the Niger aluminum company, which now belongs to Russia.

The Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, where the abductions took place, has promised to free the hostages and has urged Rusal to refrain from direct negotiations with the kidnappers.

Six Russian employees were kidnapped on June 3, when a group of militants raided the village where the Russians were staying.