British Woman Rescued From Kidnappers in Malawi After Gunfire

WHO:

The Guardian - Nusrat Osman, a 47-year-old British woman, was kidnapped.

The Guardian - Shobi Jiwa, Osman's brother, expressed gratitude to the police.

ABC News - Inspector General Richard Luhanga, head of the Malawi police, confirmed the rescue.

ABC News - Deputy Inspector General Mlowoka Noel Kayira was shot during the operation.

WHAT:

The Guardian - Osman was rescued by police after a shootout in which four alleged abductors were killed.

ABC News - Four suspects were fatally shot in the police operation.

The Guardian - A reward of 30 million Malawi kwacha (£12,950) was offered for information leading to her rescue.

ABC News - Authorities offered a reward of about $17,000 for information leading to Osman’s rescue.

WHERE:

The Guardian - The kidnapping occurred in Blantyre, Malawi.

ABC News - Osman was rescued in Malawi.

WHEN:

The Guardian - Osman was abducted on 11 September.

The Guardian - Police announced Osman’s rescue late on Thursday.

WHY:

The Guardian - The motive for Osman's kidnapping was not clear, and the suspects had not contacted her family or authorities.

HOW:

The Guardian - The kidnappers were armed with an AK-47 rifle and a Girsan Regard MC pistol during the shootout with police.

ABC News - Police were looking for four men who used a gray car to kidnap Osman.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 19:00 UTC)

Nusrat Osman, a 47-year-old British woman, was kidnapped in Blantyre, Malawi, but was rescued by police following a shootout that resulted in the deaths of four alleged abductors. Inspector General Richard Luhanga confirmed the successful operation, while Deputy Inspector General Mlowoka Noel Kayira was shot during the incident. Authorities had offered a reward of about $17,000 for information leading to her rescue, but the motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear as the suspects did not contact her family or law enforcement.