The Delta State police command says it has arrested four people in connection with the kidnapping of four British nationals in the state.

However, Andrew Animaka, the state Police Public Relations Officer, said the whereabouts of the kidnapped victims are still unknown.

The Britons, including a husband and wife, were abducted on Friday in Delta State, where they had been providing free medical treatment to locals.

“We are following up on a lead with the arrest of four persons in connection with the incident,” Animaka said. “The suspects are currently in the custody of the state police command in Asaba and are rendering useful information. I can assure you that we are on the heels of the abductors.”

The Police suspect that armed militants, who have attacked oil and gas pipelines in recent times, are behind the kidnapping.

Intelligence sources said the Britons are believed to have been taken to militant camps in the creeks and swamps of the delta.

British diplomats in Nigeria have refused to comment on the abduction.