A British woman has been rescued by Malawian police following a dramatic shootout that resulted in the deaths of four of her alleged abductors. Nusrat Osman, a 47-year-old auditor and mother of two, was taken from outside her home in the southern city of Blantyre on September 11.

Malawi, a landlocked southern African nation, is one of the world's poorest countries and has recently seen an increase in petty crime and burglaries, often perpetrated by armed individuals amid challenging economic conditions. Kidnappings are relatively rare in the country.

Malawian police announced Osman's safe return on Thursday evening. The rescue operation involved an exchange of gunfire between law enforcement and the kidnappers, who were reportedly armed with an AK47 rifle and a pistol. "In the process, the criminals got shot and were taken to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries," the police statement read.

During the operation, a police officer, deputy inspector general Mlowoka Noel Kayira, sustained a gunshot wound and is currently receiving medical treatment. Police confirmed he is in a stable condition.

Osman's brother, Shobi Jiwa, confirmed her safety and stated that she was "not too shaken" following the ordeal. He expressed profound gratitude to the Malawian police, particularly highlighting Deputy Inspector General Kayira's bravery. "He is the hero of our family. He’s the hero of the country," Jiwa told The Sun, emphasizing Kayira's willingness to risk his life.

Authorities had offered a reward of 30 million Malawi kwacha (approximately £12,950) for information that would lead to Osman's rescue and the arrest of those responsible for her abduction.

While kidnappings are not a widespread concern in Malawi according to a 2024 report by the U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, the country faces significant economic instability. The World Bank reports an average annual income of just $672 for its approximately 22 million inhabitants.

Further details regarding the motive behind the kidnapping or the identities of the alleged abductors beyond their demise have not been immediately released by Malawian authorities.