Security forces in Nigeria have stormed the hideout where a Turkish national had been held for ransom.

Fourteen members of a gang thought to responsible for the kidnap died during the operation in the Niger Delta after opening fire on the security agents.

“The hoodlums were shot dead during a gun battle with the security agents in their camp in Kaani community in Ogoni land,” said state police spokesman Ben Ugwuegbulam.

“The security operatives returned with a superior firepower and in the process shot dead six of the kidnappers instantly,” he added.

Mr Ugwuegbulam said eight wounded gang members died on the way to hospital.

The gang was thought to be behind a wave of robberies and attacks on security agents in recent months.

Two other suspects had assisted the police with their investigations.

Six AK-47 rifles, 444 rounds of ammunition, 17 magazines and around $620 in Nigerian currency were found by police.

The Turkish construction worker the men had abducted last month was released unhurt by his captors after they collected the ransom money.

He was one of scores of people who have been kidnapped for ransom in the Niger Delta, which has in recent months seen increasing unrest.

Despite having large oil and gas reserves the region remains impoverished and badly polluted.

A report by the International Maritime Bureau recently warned that the area was emerging as a new hub for pirate activity.

– SkyNews