High-level meeting today

A high-level ministerial meeting is expected to be held today to discuss the kidnapping of Maltese oil worker George Scerri, The Times has learnt.

The meeting forms part of the government's efforts to secure the release of Mr Scerri who was kidnapped in Nigeria on Friday.

The 62-year-old Maltese and a Pakistani were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Nigeria's main oil producing zone, the Nigerian military said.

The high-level meeting is expected to include the participation of representatives of foreign embassies, sources said.

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg, who flew to Brussels yesterday afternoon, is expected to participate in the meeting through video conferencing.

The meeting is being held to discuss the way forward and how the case can be resolved.

In the meantime, the government is continuing with its diplomatic efforts to get the man freed.

The two men, who work for Texas-based drilling company Lonestar, were abducted in Omoku, outside the main oil city Port Harcourt as they were driving on their way to an oil rig.

The Foreign Ministry said on Saturday it had established contact with Mr Scerri's family and that it is seeking the help and expertise of Italy and Britain.