The Nigerian government is doing everything possible to secure the release of all foreign nationals being held hostage in the Niger Delta, foreign affairs official said on Friday.

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary in the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said "all will be done to free the hostages as soon as possible."

The ministry was reacting to a formal complaint by Chinese Ambassador Xu Jianguo, over an abduction of five Chinese nationals in southern Rivers State.

Describing the incident as "unfortunate," Ahmed said "we want to assure other nationals that Nigeria is still a good nation for the conduct of business and will never compromise law and order."

"President Olusegun Obasanjo is deeply concerned about the security of Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike, and shall do everything to end this menace," he added.

Unidentified armed men on Friday kidnapped five Chinese telecommunication workers in Emuoha local government area of Rivers State.

Since the beginning of the year 2006, militant groups have constantly attacked oil facilities and taken oil workers hostage in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta.

Four foreign oil workers, three Italians and one Lebanese, are being held as hostages by local militant group the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta.
 
Editor: Yan