Two Russian kidnapped by unknown gunmen operating in the oil rich Niger Delta since December 2008 have been found by the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, the Punch newspaper reported.

Sergey Zermotalov and Korstantin Aksemon, both employees of the Aluminum Smelting Company of Nigeria, escaped from their abductors' den in the early hours of Thursday and wandered about in the forest until they were found by the JTF's naval component around Isaka/Dutch Island in Rivers State.

Sagir Musa, JTF's spokesman confirmed the development, adding that the Russians were found by the naval team around 2:30 p.m. Nigerian time as it patrolled the Isaka waterway.

He said they escaped from an unidentified militant camp five days ago, noting that the Russians are malnourished when they are found but are now in a stable condition.

More than 200 foreigners have been seized since early 2006 most were released unharmed after a ransom payment.

Violent crimes have surged in the Niger Delta since militants, who claim to be fighting for a fairer share of the region's natural resources, launched a campaign of sabotage against the oil industry three years ago.

Source: Xinhua