In a dramatic turn of events, six Nigerien soldiers held captive by the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) have been released after a ransom payment of 21 million CFA, reportedly facilitated by General Tiani and President Putin.
However, the celebration is short-lived, as JNIM has made a non-negotiable demand of 2 billion CFA for the release of two Russian civil mercenaries also in their custody.
JNIM has demanded a non-negotiable ransom of 2 billion CFA for the release of two Russian civil mercenaries.
Niger has requested a three-month ceasefire, the status of which remains uncertain.
The two non-Nigerien hostages are two geologists employed by a Russian company and were abducted in the insurgency-hit Tillaberi region while working there.
The Russian Foreign Ministry had earlier said that one of the hostages, Oleg Gret, was reportedly a Russian citizen while another, Yuri Yurov, had Ukrainian citizenship.
Overall, JNIM kidnapped four people and killed several Nigerien soldiers during the incident on July 18, the Ministry said.
Russia has sent an official request to the Niger authorities and Malian partners to ask for assistance, it said.
“We intend to continue our efforts to free the hostages,” it said, adding that its cooperation with Sahel states will continue to grow despite insecurity in the region.
@ZagazOlaMakama & Reuters
