The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of four foreign nationals on Kwoi-Jere Road in Kagarko Local Government Area of the state.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mukhtar Aliyu, confirmed to NAN that the foreign nationals included two Canadians and two Americans.
The spokesperson said the nationals were said to be returning to Abuja from Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna state, adding, “the kidnappers laid ambush for them and engaged the escorts in gun duel which led to the death of two policemen while the four foreigners were whisked to unknown destination.”
He said the command had since swung into action as it had deployed its anti-kidnap unit and assured that the abductors would be brought to book.
In Washington, a State Department official referred to the abduction of only one US citizen.
“We are aware of reports of a US citizen kidnapped in Nigeria,” he told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The safety and protection of US citizens overseas are among our top priorities,” he added.
A State Department travel advisory for urges US citizens to “reconsider” travelling to Nigeria, warning that “violent crime such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping and rape is common throughout the country.”
Global Affairs Canada, which manages Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations, is “aware of reports of the kidnapping of two Canadian citizens in Nigeria,” spokesman John Babcock said, “Consular officials in Nigeria are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information,” he added.
