Paris/Niamey  - Four French hostages held for three days by Tuareg rebels have been released in Niger to Red Cross officials, a company who employed them said Wednesday evening in Paris.

The French nuclear firm Areva said the captives were in good shape after being handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in the northern region of Niger.

The four were to return immediately to France.

Areva did not comment on whether ransom was paid for their release.

The French citizens were kidnapped by Tuareg rebels from the Movement for Justice in Niger (MNJ) on Sunday, Areva said.

The rebels in the west African country are fighting alongside rebels in neighbouring Mali for more independence and a greater share of income from natural resources in the region.

The former French colony is one of the world's larger producers of uranium yet one of the poorest on the globe. (dpa)