Twelve foreign hostages held by Nigerian militants since May were released today, as officials have announced.

Three British citizens, five Americans, two Indians, a South African and a Filipino man were released by Nigerian militants on “humanitarian grounds,” as they explained their gesture. Along with the 12 foreign hostages was released a Nigerian man.

Timipre Sylva, governor of the southern Bayelsa State, one of Nigeria’s richest natural oil deposit, said: “A Saturday ago, we got the release of a set of hostages and today we are happy to announce that we have been able to get the last set out.

“We believe that this wind will begin a process of dialogue and I promise that we are going to start the process of engagement, empowerment and enforcement,” he added.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) announced late Monday that they intended to release the hostages. Their initiative could be seen as a sign that they are willing to begin discussions with the new government.

MEND’s statement said: “This will open way for a genuine dialogue, where the Niger Delta will nominate youths, women and elders independently to discuss with the Nigerian government representatives.”

The militants requested compensations from oil company Shell as well as the release from jail of some of their members. Over the past 18 months, almost 200 people have been taken hostage. Most were released unharmed in short time for a ransom.

The kidnappings, as well as attacks on petrol facilities, are a protest from people in the Niger Delta who wish to have a greater say in the extraction of oil in their homeland and in the wealth connected to this oil.

Nigeria's new government was sworn in last month.