The authorities in Puntland, a federal state in Somalia, have announced the capture of at least eight pirates involved in the hijacking of a cargo ship traveling from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates in March.

According to a VOAThe announcement of the arrest came shortly after two pirates said they had freed the ship MV Abdullah and its crew in exchange for 5 million dollars.

Meanwhile, the portal Garowe Onlinein that region of Somalia, quoted a local police officer as confirming the arrests and criticizing the payment of the ransom.

"The practice of paying ransoms can serve to encourage more attacks by pirates," said the agent, who declined to be identified.

The Bangladesh-flagged MV Abdullah was hijacked in mid-March with 23 crew members on board after leaving Mozambique en route to the United Arab Emirates, carrying coal.

However, a spokesman for the freighter's owners, KSRM Group, confirmed the ship's release "after negotiations". "We have reached an agreement with the pirates. I can't say anything more about the money. The crew is safe and well," said spokesman Mizanul Islam, adding that the ship is already on its way to the United Arab Emirates under the escort of two warships.