Three kidnapped Chinese men have been freed in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. <br/><br/>A Chinese Consulate official in Lagos said the three technicians, who worked for a Nigerian steel company, were kidnapped on Sunday in Aba City, in southeast Nigeria, by unknown armed people. Nine other Nigerians were also abducted. <br/><br/>The official said the Chinese men were freed this morning and they are expected to return to China soon. The oil-rich Niger Delta of Nigeria has been restive for years with militants attacking both foreign oil facilities and workers. <br/><br/>Over 300 foreigners have been seized in the Niger Delta since 2006. Almost all have been released unharmed after paying a ransom.