The South African government confirmed on Tuesday that a South African man was among a group of hostages released in Nigeria.
”We are confirming his release,” said Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa.
”We welcome this development.”
He said the government would help the man return to South Africa as soon as possible.
He is believed to be employed by HydroDive, which provides vessels, diving and other marine services to the offshore oil and gas industry.
Nigerian militants freed 12 foreign hostages and one Nigerian in the oil-producing Niger Delta on Monday as a prelude to peace talks with the incoming government of President Umaru Yar’Adua.
The release of the 13 men, including the South African, five Britons and three Americans, in Bayelsa state was the latest sign of easing tensions in Africa’s top oil producer after Yar’Adua promised to address grievances in the impoverished region.
The other freed hostages were two Indians and one Filipino, who said they had been subjected to mock executions by their captors.
A faction of the rebel Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta had earlier sent an email to the media announcing the release of 11 hostages. — Sapa, Reuters