Two workers of a Russian aluminium company have been kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria, the company says.

A statement from UC Rusal said the pair, workers at the Alscon aluminium smelter, were snatched in the town of Ikot Abasi in the Niger Delta.

Reports said gunmen in speedboats attacked the residential compound in the middle of the night.

The Russians' whereabouts were unknown, Itar-Tass news agency reported. Attacks on foreigners are common in Nigeria.

A statement from UC Ruscal said: "The two employees of the company were kidnapped. The company is taking all necessary measures to free the hostages as soon as possible."

More than 200 foreigners have been kidnapped by militants in the Niger Delta, the heart of the country's oil industry, since 2006.

A collapse in law and order has allowed armed groups to make a living extorting money from oil companies that have to keep their operations going, correspondents say.

ah thanks SeanT21, I logged on this morning to flash this news as an eyewitness acount behold you have done it from exile, it happened just less than a kilometer away from me, more gist to come on it.

There was a Militant attack 2 years ago in the same place which prompted govt to mobilize plenty soldier to guide the expertriates, but this attack occurred bw 3.15 am to 4.40 am of 20th DEC without millitary suppression

The environmental situation within that 2hrs was like war situation, but brethren are we wrong to say that there is war in our Niger delta Region?

IF YOU SEE THE Destruction of cars and properties you sympathise with tax payers money and foreign investor who risk and invest in Naija

Some of these militants get their arms from Russian mobsters in exchange for crude.

Anyways i hope Rusal get their men back.

Whats with these militants attacking non-oil workers (Julius berger, Rusal) ?

Long Live the Niger-Delta

May that Oil never finish!!!

How ever, the federal Government hasnt been so proactive about stopping this menance, Nigeria is politicising politics rather than giving meaning to Political achievements

profit$:

ah thanks SeanT21, I logged on this morning to flash this news as an eyewitness acount behold you have done it from exile, it happened just less than a kilometer away from me, more gist to come on it.

AWWW.I can not believe you witness it.

though I'm not a fan of russians, but these idiots should stop disgracing Nigeria. if na money them want make them settle them quick quick o jare! nonsense.

My people The hostages hasnt been released and the Millitants are yet to mention their ransom, the state governor has just visited the site/location