Three Sri Lankans abducted in Ethiopia freed following Police raid

June 8, 2026 at 10:42 AM

Three Sri Lankan nationals kidnapped in Ethiopia have been rescued unharmed following a coordinated police operation, according to Fidel Post.

Six suspects, including two Ethiopians and four Pakistani nationals, were arrested for allegedly abducting the men and demanding a ransom of USD 90,000. 

Fidel Post reports that the victims had arrived in Ethiopia on May 23 for work opportunities before being taken directly from the airport in a Suzuki vehicle with a Code 2 license plate.

​The investigation began on May 26, 2026, after the Sri Lankan Embassy reported the disappearance of the three individuals to the Bole Sub-City Police Department.

Investigators tracked the victims using advanced digital surveillance, locating them in a residential house in Shashemene, Oromia Region. 

Security forces stormed the property, freeing the hostages and apprehending the suspects without incident.

The rescue was achieved through a joint effort involving the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), the Federal Police, the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), and the Oromia Regional Police. (Newswire)