Police in Papua New Guinea have launched a rescue operation to find an Australian professor and three local researchers who were taken hostage in the country’s remote highlands, the Pacific island nation’s police commissioner has announced.
An armed gang had demanded a ransom for the captives, commissioner of police David Manning said in a statement, describing the gunmen as “opportunists” and the situation as “delicate”.
“Our specialised security force personnel will use whatever means necessary against the criminals, up to and including the use of lethal force, in order to provide for the safety and security of the people being held,” Manning said.
The government had earlier confirmed it was in contact with the gunmen through a third party, and Manning said the abductors were being offered “a way out”. However, he added that “failure to comply and resisting arrest could cost these criminals their lives”.
The university professor, who Guardian Australia has chosen not to name, was reportedly confronted by an armed group on Sunday demanding payment from the PNG and Australian governments.
It is believed the professor was conducting studies near Mount Bosavi with University of Papua New Guinea graduates and guides.
PNG prime minister James Marape earlier confirmed reports of a kidnapping, saying contact had been made.
“I want to inform the families of those taken hostage we’ve been at work,” he told reporters in Port Moresby.
“Contact has been made with people in the bush through secondary sources.
“They have indicated ransom. We do not encourage ransom, but we’re treating this very diligently and carefully because life is at risk and life is at stake.”
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Perth on Monday that he would seek a briefing on the matter.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has been contacted for comment.
The Australian Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
