British hostage released

On 19 April 2009 the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) released one of two British hostages that the militant group had been holding since September 2008. MEND reportedly released the captive "on health and age considerations." The militants denied receiving any ransom payment for his release. The released hostage is currently receiving medical treatment in Port Harcourt and is listed in stable condition. MEND did not comment on the status of the other British hostage. The sudden release came as a surprise as the militant group had stated in January 2009 that the two hostages would not be released until the Nigerian government freed the group's leader, Henry Okah, who is currently awaiting trial on arms trafficking charges. The British men were kidnapped along with 25 other crewmembers when their ship was attacked in September 2008. The 25 men, mainly from South Africa and Ukraine, were quickly released.