An operation to rescue a kidnapped British woman in Malawi on Thursday night left four suspected kidnappers dead from gunshot wounds and a senior police chief wounded, authorities have revealed.

Nusrat Osman, 47, a mother of two, was freed in an operation on the outskirts of Blantyre, in southern Malawi, after nearly a week in the hands of the suspects, police said.

Police said officers exchanged gunfire with the suspected kidnappers, who were armed with an AK-47 rifle and a pistol. After being shot, the suspects were rushed to the hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

“Deputy Inspector General of Police Noel Kayira, who was involved in the operation, also sustained gunshot injuries and is being treated in hospital. He is in a stable condition,” the Malawi Police Service said in a statement on Friday.

Unknown culprits

Police did not identify the four and did not provide further details on how officers located the group.

Osman was reunited with her family after being taken to hospital for treatment and physical and psychological assessments.

She was abducted by four unidentified men in Blantyre's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood on Sept. 11 while driving home, prompting a major search operation.

Authorities offered a reward of 30 million Malawian kwacha ($17,000) for information leading to her rescue and the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Authorities had offered a reward of about $17,000 for information leading to Osman’s rescue and the arrest and conviction of the kidnappers.