British woman rescued in Malawi shootout that killed four suspected kidnappers

September 18, 2026 at 07:41 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

British woman Nusrat Osman, 47, was rescued on Thursday in a police operation on the outskirts of Blantyre, Malawi, that left four suspected kidnappers dead. Deputy Inspector General of Police Noel Kayira was wounded in the exchange of gunfire and is in stable condition. Osman was reunited with her family and taken to hospital for treatment.

Key Facts

Nusrat Osman, 47, was kidnapped nearly a week before her rescue on Thursday.
Four suspected kidnappers were killed in the police operation near Blantyre.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Noel Kayira sustained gunshot injuries and is in stable condition.
Authorities offered a reward of 30 million Malawian kwacha ($17,000; £12,500) for information leading to her rescue.
Osman is from Leicester, UK, and has lived in Malawi for several years, working for an auditing firm.

The Rescue Operation

Police exchanged gunfire with the suspected kidnappers, who were armed with an AK-47 rifle and a pistol. The four suspects were shot and rushed to hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries, according to the Malawi Police Service. Deputy Inspector General Noel Kayira, who was involved in the operation, sustained gunshot injuries and is being treated in hospital. Police have not identified the four suspected kidnappers and have not provided further details about how officers located the group.

Kidnapping and Investigation

Osman was driving home when men blocked her vehicle, forced her into another car, and drove away. Her disappearance prompted a major search operation, with authorities offering a reward of 30 million Malawian kwacha ($17,000; £12,500). Police said there had been no known ransom demand or communication from the kidnappers following her disappearance. The kidnapping caused concern among Malawi's business community and British nationals living in the country.

Family and Community Reaction

Osman's younger brother, Shobi Jiwa, praised the Malawian police for securing her release and described Deputy Inspector General Kayira as the family's 'hero'. Her family had made emotional public appeals for her safe return, describing the disappearance as deeply distressing. Osman is married with two young children and works for an auditing firm in Malawi. The UK Foreign Office said it was aware of reports that a British national had been abducted and was in touch with local authorities.