The Department of International Relations and Co-operation today declined to give any information on whether ransom money was paid for Nick Greyling who had been kidnapped in Nigeria.

"We are unable to provide such details. I think that would be left to Mr Greyling, if he wants to release such details," said spokesperson Nomfanelo Kota.

Greyling, an M-Net Supersport sound engineer, was released by his Nigerian captors last night. He and two Nigerian colleagues - cameraman Alexander Effiong and commentator Bowie Attamah - were kidnapped from their bus in the Imo province, near the Oweri airport. Effiong escaped soon after the attack.

Last week, Kota said negotiations with the hostage-takers were being conducted through the Nigerian authorities.

Meanwhile, Greyling's family is thankful that their nightmare ordeal is over. His father-in-law Johan Russow says his family cannot wait to welcome Greyling back home.

"We are unbelievably relieved. It is just a big burden that has fallen off. It has been a very stressful time for us and we are just looking forward to the moment of Nick and his wife Lorna's reunion. He spoke to Lorna last night - what we could gather is that he is tired he is exhausted," says Russow.

Russow says it is still not clear when Greyling will touch down on home soil.

Foreigners usually working for oil firms are often kidnapped for ransom in the Niger Delta. Wealthy Nigerians are also frequent targets for the kidnappers. - Sapa