Four Chinese expatriate workers abducted in Ondo State have been rescued by the Nigerian Army, security officials said on Saturday.

“I am glad to tell you that they have been rescued alive,” Femi Joseph, a Police spokesman for the state, toldAnadolu Agency.

Local sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the expatriates were kidnappedon Fridayafternoon by militants who whisked them off to their hideouts in the creek.

A military special squad later rescued them after hours of gunfight.

Joseph did not confirm the arrest of any of the abductors.

Incidents of kidnapping for ransom have become rampant in parts of Nigeria with criminal gangs often targeting expatriates or top politicians. (Anadolu Agency)