A spokesman with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said Saturday night that the ministry has launched an emergency mechanism to rescue the five kidnapped Chinese in Nigeria.

Five Chinese technical workers in a rural telecom program were kidnapped by unidentified armed men last Friday in the Rivers State of southern Nigeria. Equipment worth thousands of US dollars were also taken

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce urged trade department of the China's embassy in Nigeria to make all their efforts to rescue the five workers and ensure their safety.

The spokesman did not tell which company they work for, only saying that the company will send responsible people to Nigeria on Monday to deal with the matter.

China on Saturday demanded its embassy in Nigeria make all out efforts to help secure the release of five kidnapped nationals.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao ordered the foreign ministry and China's embassy and consulate in the African country to do everything possible to rescue the kidnapped telecommunication workers.

No one has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. The Nigeria government has vowed to do everything it can to rescue the hostages as soon as possible.

Rivers State is located in the oil-rich but troubled Niger Delta where there have been more than 10 kidnappings of foreign workers since the beginning of 2006. This is the first time that Chinese workers have been kidnapped.

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2007)