Nigeria: Kidnapped British man dies in rescue operation

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - A British national abducted last month in Nigeria’s oil-rich delta region has been killed and three others freed in a rescue operation, a local security official and the British Foreign Office said on Monday.

Ian Squire was killed in the operation, involving local and foreign security operatives, in the inland port town of Burutu in the delta region, the security official, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media, told Anadolu Agency.

Squire was one of four Britons abducted by the Karowie militant group on Oct. 13, the official said.

“However, three other captives -- Alanna Carson, David Donovan and Shirley Donovan -- were freed,” the official added.

The British Foreign Office also confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.

“We are supporting the families of four British people who were abducted on 13 October in Nigeria, one of whom was tragically killed,” the statement said.

“This has clearly been a traumatic time for all concerned, and our staff will continue to do all we can to support the families.”