Global Affairs investigates reports of Canadians kidnapped in Nigeria
Posted January 17, 2018 9:49 am.
Last Updated January 17, 2018 10:04 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – Global Affairs Canada says it’s aware of reports that two Canadian citizens have been kidnapped in Nigeria.
Spokesman John Babcock says consular officials in Nigeria are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information.
Babcock says further details can’t be released for privacy reasons.
Local police, however, say two foreigners kidnapped Tuesday evening in Kaduna State were a Canadian and an American.
Police spokesman Mukhtar Aliyu says the two foreigners were travelling from Kafanchan to the capital, Abuja, when they were ambushed by gunmen.
He says a policeman was killed in the ensuing battle.
Aliyu says the American and Canadian are investors setting up solar stations in villages around Kafanchan in Kaduna state.
He says security officers including an anti-kidnapping unit have been deployed to the area to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended while the two foreigners are rescued unharmed.
Kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria.
More to come.