3 Indian sailors from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh were kidnapped by Nigerian Pirates from their ship when it was in Nigerian waters. After 10 days of their kidnapping, on March 12, 2018 Pirates made a satellite phone call to their family members in India and demanded huge ransom.
Ransom call was made to Captain Sushil Kumar’s family who was Master of the ship and now in captivity of Pirates.
“I got the call at around 3 pm Saturday. My brother spoke to us first informing about the demand made by the pirates for their release. Then, one of the kidnappers came on the phone telling us in English to handover the money if we wanted the safety of the three persons,” Vinay Kumar, brother of Capt Sushil Kumar told.
Apart from Sushil Kumar, Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Kumar were the other two hostages.
Family then reported the incident to External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma swaraj office and also to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. After securing the information, External Affairs Ministry started it efforts to secure the release of Indian Seafarers. Finally, on 11th April 2018 with the help of Nigerian Government and Nigerian Navy, release of all three sailors was secured safely. Sushma Swaraj tweeted about the success of the mission.
Indian High commission in Nigeria worked effortlessly to secure the release of Indian Seafarers.
Government's proactive approach has saved many Seafarers in trouble. Family was not only contacted by MEA , but also was kept in loop during the whole operation.
Vinay said the family was contacted by Sushma Swaraj’s private secretary and was assured that the government was doing the needful. “The boys will return safe. We are on the job and our ministry in Nigeria is working on it” he was told.
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