Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you, first.

Sierra Leone says no ransom for diplomat abducted in Nigeria

Original Publication Date: July 11, 2016 3:17AM
Publication Updated: April 28, 2025 1:43AM

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone’s foreign minister says no ransom was paid in the release of a diplomat who was abducted and held captive for five days in Nigeria.

Maj. Gen. Alfred Nelson Williams, Sierra Leone’s deputy high commissioner to Nigeria, was abducted June 30 while travelling to a military parade in the northwest. At the time, Nigerian workers at Sierra Leone’s embassy told The Associated Press that the unidentified abductors were demanding $40 million.

Williams was released on July 5 and appeared before reporters in Sierra Leone’s capital on Monday.

He provided few details of his captivity. Foreign Minister Samura Kamara said “intense pressure by the Nigerian police” helped secure the diplomat’s release, but he didn’t elaborate.

Williams was travelling on a major highway well known for armed robbery and abductions.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles