Kidnapped Briton freed in Nigeria

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David Ward was freed in an operation in the country's troubled Niger Delta region after almost two months in captivity.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office confirmed Mr Ward's name and the fact that he had been released but said further details remained unclear.

A report quoted Nigerian military spokesman Major Sagir Musa as saying that the rescue mission had happened in the village of Abaara Etche, 18 miles west of Port Harcourt, the country's oil capital.

Mr Ward was abducted by gunmen on August 10.

Mr Ward is an employee of Nigeria-based contractor Hydrodive, the company confirmed.

The firm specialises in under-water construction and maintenance work for the oil and gas industry.

Its divers are trained to carry out routine inspections on rigs as well as emergency repairs and salvage.

General manager Paul Bromfield was not immediately available for comment.

Mr Ward is reported to have been abducted from his car by gunmen on his way to work.