Chinese nationals kidnapped off Cameroon coast: Chinese Embassy

Seven Chinese nationals working for a private fishing company were kidnapped off the Bakassi peninsula in southwest Cameroon, Chinese Embassy in Cameroon confirmed on Saturday.

A group calling itself the "Africa Marine Commando" has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, which occurred on Friday morning, the embassy said.

The Chinese Embassy said it is trying its best to rescue the captives.

Attacks by gunmen were reported in recent years off the Bakassi peninsula. A group of gunmen attacked an oil vessel working in an offshore oilfield for the French petroleum Total in October 2008. Ten of the 15 crew members on board the vessel "Bourbon Sagitta" was kidnapped near Bakassi Peninsula.

A series of attacks by armed bandits had killed several army officers before the French men were taken hostage.

The Cameroonian army deployed a Rapid Response Unit (RRU/ DELTA) in April 2009 to beef up security in the peninsula in the Gulf of Guinea.

In October 2009, RRU/ DELTA killed four pirates and wounded four others at the Idabato sea opening in the Bakassi peninsula.

Source:Xinhua