Home / AFRICA / Kidnapped Turkish nationals freed in Nigeria’s Kwara state

Kidnapped Turkish nationals freed in Nigeria’s Kwara state

Four Turkish nationals have been rescued a week after being kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria’s western state of Kwara, police say.

The four, who are construction workers, were taken from a bar last week.

The abductors had demanded a $1m (£800,000) ransom but police say no money was paid and that they were released “unconditionally”.

Kidnapping for ransom is common in Nigeria, with foreigners and high-profile Nigerians frequently targeted.

Two weeks ago pirates attacked a cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria and kidnapped 10 Turkish sailors. Their fate remains unknown.

Media captionHow a man dubbed “Nigeria’s Supercop” is tackling kidnapping and armed robbery in the country.

The Turkish constructors were found in a bush on Friday, Kayode Egbetokun, Kwara sate’s commissioner of police, told the BBC.

The rescue operation was carried out by the state police, local vigilantes and a team of officers sent from the capital, Abuja.

Mr Egbetoku said the arrest of three other kidnappers, before the rescue operation, had helped.

“These arrests put pressure on the remaining gang members to release the Turkish hostages unconditionally,” he said, adding that police were looking for the rest of the gang.

The four Turkish nationals underwent medical examinations after their release.

Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria Melih Ulueren said he was glad the ordeal was over and thanked those involved in the operation, TRT news site reports.

BBC

About Elvis Anokye

Check Also

A visit to Nigeria is planned for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in May, as the Duchess is rumoured to be avoiding a trip to the United Kingdom.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry set to visit Nigeria in May as Duchess ‘plans to snub’ UK trip

A visit to Nigeria is planned for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in May, as …

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has underlined the spiritual guidance of the various religious bodies in the country as the source of his successful 25-year reign on the Golden Stool.

Religious support source of my success — Asantehene claims

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has underlined the spiritual guidance of the various religious …