Armed assailants abducted four police officers in the coastal town of Gwadar, located near the Pakistan-Iran maritime border, police confirmed on Thursday.

The kidnapped personnel have been identified as Niaz Ahmed, Shoaib, Ehsan and Sajid Ali. According to initial reports, the officers had intercepted a vehicle carrying Afghan nationals who were attempting to enter Pakistan illegally the previous day. The suspects were travelling in a Zambad (a type of vehicle commonly used for smuggling).

Police officials said the officers on duty immediately informed the in-charge of the Kantani post, ASI Musaddaq Ali, about the situation. The ASI instructed them to transport the detained individuals to the police station. However, soon afterwards, all communication with the four policemen was lost.

Authorities believe the officers were taken hostage by armed men. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to recover the missing personnel. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction so far. Further investigation is under way.