This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/6457079.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
French hostage 'freed' in Nigeria French hostage 'freed' in Nigeria
(10 minutes later)
A French oil worker held hostage in Nigeria's Niger Delta region since last month has been freed, Nigerian authorities say.A French oil worker held hostage in Nigeria's Niger Delta region since last month has been freed, Nigerian authorities say.
The contractor was believed to be the last foreigner held captive by militants in the restive area.The contractor was believed to be the last foreigner held captive by militants in the restive area.
The Frenchman is reported to have been held since early February.The Frenchman is reported to have been held since early February.
More than 100 foreign workers have been abducted over the past year, some by militant groups fighting for local control of the oil wealth. More than 100 foreign workers have been abducted in the Niger Delta over the past year and most have been released unharmed after a few weeks.
The circumstances of the oil worker's release are not known. The circumstances of the release of the man, who worked for French oil giant Total, are not known.
It follows the freeing on Thursday of two Italian hostages held since 7 December.It follows the freeing on Thursday of two Italian hostages held since 7 December.
Most captives have been linked to the oil industry and freed unharmed within a few weeks. A local militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend), which held the Italians has threatened more kidnappings.
Most captives have been linked to the oil industry, although some non-oil workers have also been abducted.
The BBC's Alex Last in Port Harcourt says initially most of those kidnapped were held by militants, who say they are fighting for local control of the oil wealth.
But he says increasingly, criminal gangs have become responsible for the bulk of the hostage takings.