In the Nigerian capital Abuja, police have freed 23 foreign citizens who were kidnapped by an armed group for ransom. This was announced by the Federal Capital Region police spokesperson, Josephine Ade.
In a statement, Ade noted that the operation was carried out against members of an armed gang operating in the capital. According to her, all the abducted foreigners were successfully released.
During the operation, 14 members of the criminal group were detained. The police also seized a large number of weapons and ammunition.
Nigeria has been facing attacks by armed gangs for many years, as well as terrorist organizations Boko Haram and the ISIS West African Offshoot (ISWAP) operating in various regions of the country.
Despite the fact that kidnapping for ransom is punishable by death in Nigeria, such cases occur regularly. As a rule, armed criminals attack villages, schools and passengers in the northern regions of the country, demanding ransom for the release of hostages.