A Greek tanker hijacked off Benin, West Africa, has been freed, but five crew have been taken hostage.

The 9,100-dwt Leon Dias (built 2003), operated by Leon Shipping & Trading of Athens, was seized by gunmen claiming to be Biafran separatists on 29 January.

It is now anchored near Cotonou in Benin, being guarded by the country's navy, the International Business Times said.

The