The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that Indian Government has taken up the issue with Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of twenty Indians on board a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa.
“We are concerned by the kidnapping of 20 Indian crew members (as reported by the Shipping agency) from the vessel MT Duke in the high seas off the western coast of Africa on 15th December 2019,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
“This is the third such incident this year in the region, affecting Indian nationals,” he said.
“Our Mission in Abuja has taken up the matter with the Nigerian authorities, as also with the authorities of the neighbouring countries,” he added.
Kumar further said, “The safety of hostages is paramount and we continue to engage with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders closely on the recent incidents.”
