Scots Oil rig worker kidnapped in Nigeria has been found

A Scottish oil worker kidnapped by in Nigeria has been freed following a month-long ordeal.

Dad John Hiddleston, 65, suffered “considerable trauma” after gunmen stormed his rig before dragging him and two colleagues into a swamp.

Cops in West Africa told how the terrified men had been found abandoned in a remote forest after their abductors fled as elite forces closed in.

John, of Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire — known as Stig to pals — is still in Nigeria receiving treatment.

Deputy superintendent Nnamdi Omoni, of Rivers State Police Command, said: “The men were rescued due to pressure on the gunmen by security agencies.

“All hands were on deck. There was an intense manhunt.  “Security forces have been working tirelessly to release them.

“We were tracking them. They were found in the forest close to where they were kidnapped. The gunmen were not there.

"To the best of my knowledge, there was no ransom.”

Police had teamed up with the military and other agencies in a bid to find the bandits, who injured nine when they attacked the land rig on April 26.

Married John joined Acme Energy Integrated Services as a maintenance manager in January last year after 22 years in the oil industry.

Canadian Dwight Sullivan and a local worker were also seized during the midnight siege on the platform.

Dep Supt Omoni added: “The men are in the hands of doctors and are receiving medical treatment.

“They are shaken because of their considerable trauma and what they suffered at the hands of their abductors.”

The Foreign Office confirmed John is freed. A spokesman said: “We are in close contact with the National Crime Agency and Police Scotland officers are providing support to his family.

“We’re grateful to the Nigerian authorities for their role in negotiating his release.”

Platform owners Niger Delta Petroleum Resources said: “The safety of staff is paramount.

“The present security arrangements are being enhanced.”