YOLA, Nigeria (AP) — Two Americans and two Canadians who were kidnapped in Nigeria’s north-central Kaduna state on Tuesday have been freed and are in good condition, police said Saturday.
Police and a special anti-kidnapping squad rescued the foreigners in the Kagarko local government area Friday night after a massive manhunt, state police commissioner Agyole Abeh said.
“No ransom was paid. It was the efforts of the police through the directives of the Inspector General of Police that led to their release,” he said.
One suspect was arrested and police were on the trail of remaining suspects, Abeh said.
The foreigners have been taken to the capital, Abuja, Kaduna state police spokesman Mukhtar Aliyu said.
“They are in good condition but due to trauma they have to undergo medical observation,” Aliyu said.
Gunmen ambushed the foreigners Tuesday as they traveled from Kafanchan in Kaduna state to Abuja. Two police escorts were killed in what police called a “fierce gun battle.”
The Americans and Canadians have not been publicly identified. Aliyu earlier said they are investors setting up solar stations in villages around Kafanchan.
Kidnapping for ransom is common in Nigeria, especially on the Kaduna to Abuja highway.
