KOTA KINABALU: Security forces are believed to have shot dead three gunmen in a firefight during a kidnapping attempt in Merabung at Darvel Bay in Lahad Datu.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun confirmed that there was a shootout between security forces and the armed group in the 9.30pm incident on Thursday.

“I will be giving full details later, we are still getting the full feedback,’’ he said.

A source said that a security personnel was also injured during the attempt by the kidnap for ransom group to abduct a fisherman.

He also said three other intruders were nabbed during the incident.

The six are believed to be members of a Tawi Tawi based kidnap for ransom group responsible for at least six of the nine kidnappings in the east coast of Sabah this year.-THESTAR