Nigerian police have confirmed the abduction of four Turkish nationals at a pub in Kwara State bringing total number of Turkish nationals kidnapped this month to 17. But the police have assured they were working round the clock to rescue the captives all of whom are yet to be released by the gunmen.

The incidents add to the growing routine of kidnapping across the country.

Abduction of expatriates started in the oil-rich Niger Delta region where there is a large concentration of expatriates working in oil and gas companies. But it has since spread to various parts of Nigeria with the victims spreading from foreigners to locals.

This is however against the backdrop of stringent denials by senior government officials including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who recently described reports on kidnapping as exaggerated.

Okasanmi Ajayi, police spokesman in Kwara state, told The Associated Press that four Turkish construction workers were at a drinking spot when six gunmen walked in and abducted them. He said the incident occurred Saturday night in Gbale village in the Edu area of Kwara state.

Ajayi said police have been deployed to rescue the Turkish men and to apprehend the kidnappers.

It’s the second time this month that Turkish nationals have been abducted in Nigeria.

Ten Turks were kidnapped on July 13, when sea pirates attacked a Turkish flagged general cargo vessel off the Nigerian coast. The Turkish seamen have not yet been rescued.

Abductions for money are common in Nigeria with foreigners frequently targeted.