Algeria takes custody of a German citizen abducted in Niger

Algiers, Aug 8 (KUNA) -- The Algerian army announced on Saturday that it had handed over a German national named Olomaskan Sinan, who had been kidnapped by an armed group in Niger. The Algerian Ministry of Defense said in a statement that “military security services received Sinan on Friday evening. He had been in Niger, where he was abducted by an armed criminal group.” The statement added that “the German, who is currently in good health, was transferred by private aircraft from the secondary deployment base at Aïn Gzam on the border with Niger to Boufarik Air Base south of the capital, where he will subsequently be handed over to the German authorities.” In a press statement, Sinan returned to the circumstances of his abduction and detention for approximately two weeks, and expressed his gratitude to the Algerian military authorities for the warm reception and care he received. He also conveyed his sincere appreciation for the efforts made by Algeria’s top authorities to ensure his safe return to his homeland. (End) M.R. / R.J.