Malawi Police Rescue Abducted British Woman in Blantyre as Deputy IG Is Wounded
By Dan Mughogho — September 18, 2026
A British woman who was reportedly abducted in Blantyre, Malawi, has been rescued following a police operation in which Deputy Inspector General of Police Noel Kaiyira was shot and wounded.
Nusrat Osman, a 47-year-old mother of two, was kidnapped at around 12:30 p.m. on September 11 in Blantyre, according to police. She was reportedly taken by four men travelling in a grey Nissan Dualis.
Police have not yet confirmed the motive behind the abduction. The suspects also reportedly did not contact Osman’s family during the period she was missing.
British Woman Rescued in Blantyre
Malawi Police Inspector General Richard Luhanga confirmed that the British national had been found safe but declined to provide further details. He said police would issue an official statement at a later time.
Osman’s brother, Shobi Jiwa, told Newsaih.com that his sister was rescued during a police operation in Blantyre. He said the operation involved Deputy Inspector General Noel Kaiyira, who was shot and wounded while helping to secure her release.
The family described Kaiyira as a hero for risking his life during the rescue.
“He is the hero of our family. He’s the hero of the country. He’s the hero of the world, actually, for putting his life at risk and taking a bullet into himself for my sister,” Jiwa said.
Deputy Inspector General Shot During Rescue
According to the family, Osman was not seriously shaken by the incident and was described as a humble and kind person.
The family also thanked the Malawi Police Service for its response and professionalism.
“We thank the Malawi Police Service for their swift action, professionalism and commitment. In them we trust,” the family said.
Deputy Inspector General Noel Kaiyira is receiving treatment at a hospital in Blantyre after being wounded during the operation.
The shooting reportedly happened on the afternoon of September 18 in the Chadzunda area of Blantyre.
Police Exchange Fire With Suspects
Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito confirmed that Nusrat Jiwa Osman had been rescued by police officers led by Kaiyira.
The minister said police exchanged fire with the suspects during the operation. The suspected kidnappers are now in police custody.
Authorities are expected to provide more information about the Blantyre kidnapping, the circumstances surrounding Osman’s abduction, and the injuries suffered by the deputy police chief.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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