CANBERRA, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Seven men, including three Australians, kidnapped in a deadly ambush in southern Nigeria last week have been released from militant custody, Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed on Monday.
Australian mining company Macmahon Holdings released a statement late on Sunday evening detailing the release of the seven contracted workers, less than a week after the ambush was taken out.
Bishop said the combined efforts of both the Australian and Nigerian governments helped secure the safe release of the men, while she confirmed the Australian government did not pay a ransom to the kidnappers who killed the group's Nigerian driver in the attack.
"I believe they are all well, undergoing health checks and it's obviously been a very traumatic time for them and they are all returning home to their families," Bishop told Macquarie radio on Monday.
"The success of the rescue exercise was due to the combined efforts of the security agencies and the support of the state government."
Macmahon chief executive Sy van Dyk said two of the men were seriously injured, but all were grateful to have been released by the kidnappers.
"Our men have been through a traumatic experience, and we have mobilized medical and other support teams in Nigeria to provide immediate support," van Dyk said on Sunday evening.
"I also thank the men's families for working so closely with the company during what has been an extremely difficult time for them as well.
"The assistance of local and federal agencies has been invaluable."
Local police said the kidnapped group included the three Australians, a New Zealander, a South African, and two Nigerians.
