The mother of Nigeria Super Eagles forward Samuel Kalu has been released after being kidnapped by gunmen six days ago in Abia State.

Kalu’s mother, Mrs Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu, was kidnapped on February 27 at UmuamachaUmueze in Abia State, but it was learnt that she was released to her family at around midnight on Monday.

The kidnappers are however, still at large but the Abia State Police Command says they are working to ensure that the abductors are brought to book.

“It is true that she was released to her family,” Godfrey Ogbonna, of Abia State police, told BBC Sport.

“I can also confirm that investigations are ongoing to arrest those responsible.We will make a public statement as soon as more details emerge but for now, she is safe and reunited with her family at home.”

The kidnappers initially demanded for a ransom of N3m but refused to release Mrs Kalu after the money was given to them.

Instead, they demanded another N50m ransom for her release. It is believed that another payment was made to the kidnappers before her eventual release.

Kalu was excluded from Bordeaux’s squad for their rescheduled French Ligue 1 fixture against Montpellier on Tuesday.