Two German archaeologists who were kidnapped in Kaduna State on Wednesday have regained their freedom.

Peter Breunig, a professor and leader of a team of foreign scholars conducting a research on the Nok culture, was kidnapped alongside his colleague, Johannes Buringer,

According to a police source who pleaded anonymity, the Germans were released on Saturday night.

“Yes, they were released last night by their kidnappers. No ransom was paid,” the source told newsmen in Kaduna.

“We are expecting an official statement from Force Headquarters , Abuja with details of their release,” he added.

Also confirming the development, officials at the Police Headquarters said that investigations were ongoing to apprehend the kidnappers.

“Investigations are very much on, and we believe we will get them,”the police said.

The German archaeologists were abducted at one of the sites where they were conducting their research in Jenjela village, Kagargo Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The abductors also killed two local hunters who tried to go after them after they had captured their target.

The police immediately deployed special forces and aerial surveillance to rescue the abducted victims while the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris was summoned at the State House to brief acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the development.

It was later reported that the kidnappers had established contact, demanding a ransom of N60 million.

Many say this incident has further heightened the controversy that has surrounded the proposed closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the attendant diversion of Abuja-bound flights to the Kaduna Airport.

Stakeholders had questioned the readiness of security agencies to provide adequate security for the many air travelers who are expected to land in Kaduna first before being ferried down to Abuja.

The proposed Abuja Airport closure is expected to kick off in March and would last for six weeks.