Kidnapped Alfred Nelson-Williams Has Been Released

Sierra Leone‬’s information minister, Mohamed Bangura has confirmed the release of the country’s kidnapped diplomat, Alfred Nelson-Williams.

Minister Bangura stated that Maj Gen Nelson Williams is back at his base in the capital Abuja. However, It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid for his release.

Alfred Nelson-Williams, defence attaché and deputy head of Sierra Leone’s high commission in Abuja, was abducted on July 1 while travelling to Kaduna, 200km north of Nigeria’s federal capital.

"He is in sound health," Nigerian police spokesman Don Awunah was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

Maj Gen Williams is believed to be the first Sierra Leone diplomat to be abducted anywhere in the world since the country became independent in 1961. His seizure was hugely embarrassing for the Nigerian government, correspondent say.