Karachi police have rescued four hostages, including three Nigerian nationals, during an operation against an alleged kidnapping gang in the Gulbahar area.
Gulbahar police arrested three suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping foreign nationals and a resident of Khyber district.
Police said the operation was conducted after receiving a tip-off about people being held illegally at a house in Gulbahar No. 2.
Four Hostages Rescued From Gulbahar House
According to police, officers used modern investigative techniques to locate the suspected hideout before raiding the house.
The operation led to the safe recovery of four hostages. Three of them were Nigerian nationals, while the fourth victim was a resident of Khyber district.
The Nigerian nationals were identified as Astin son of Nwan Kwab, Michael son of Astin and Janton son of Astin.
The fourth hostage was identified as Nusrat Khan son of Arbab.
Police said the victims had allegedly been brought from Lahore to Peshawar before being transported to Karachi. They were then reportedly detained on the ground floor of a house in Gulbahar No. 2.
Suspects Allegedly Demanded $25,000 Ransom
Police arrested three alleged kidnappers during the raid.
The suspects were identified as Asif Mahmood son of Abbas, a resident of Shaheen Bazaar, and Umar Farooq and Usman Ghani, sons of Atiq Ahmed, who are residents of Gulbahar.
According to the initial investigation, the suspects were allegedly demanding $25,000 from the victims’ families in exchange for their release.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnappings and the movement of the victims between Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi.
Weapons and Drugs Recovered
Investigators also suspect that the arrested individuals may have links to international drug trafficking.
Police said the suspects were allegedly involved in the sale of ice, commonly known as crystal methamphetamine.
During the operation, officers reportedly recovered a Kalashnikov, two pistols, ammunition, drugs and other items from the suspects.
A case has been registered against the arrested individuals, while further investigation is underway.
Police are also examining whether additional members were involved in the alleged kidnapping network and whether the suspects have links to other criminal activities.
Authorities said further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
