CEOAFRICA.com gathered that four Frenchmen kidnapped by the al-Qaeda-linked gunmen in Niger, have arrived back in Paris after they were released yesterday.

The hostages who were held since September 2010, weer welcomed at a military airfield by French President Francois Hollande.

Their return comes amid reports that a ransom of 20m euros (£17m; $26m) was paid to ensure their release. This was refuted by the French defence minister who said they were freed without a military assault or a ransom being paid.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius flew back with the hostages, saying they were in very good shape.