Two Australians, two Nigerians and a South African were among those kidnapped.

The Nigerian police force said that the hijack happened in Akpabuyo district near the capital of Cross River state on Wednesday morning. They also confirmed that the driver of the vehicle they had been traveling in was shot dead.

Police commissioner, Jimoh Ozi-Obe, said that they were working together with the Navy to ensure those kidnapped are unharmed:

“…The police is aware of the matter. Five persons were kidnapped. They include two Australians, one South African and two Nigerians. The driver of the vehicle was shot dead…[sic] The police is currently working with the Nigerian Navy to ensure that the victims are released unharmed,” he said.

There have been a lot of kidnappings in Nigeria’s southeast region. This is mainly for ransom. Wealthy Nigerians and foreign workers are often targeted for kidnappings.

However, the Nigerian police has said that they have not been made aware of any ransom demands as of yet.

According to a witness to the kidnapping, the men were taken to a nearby awaiting boat after they were hauled out of the vehicle.