A U.S. tour guide and tourist –identified as Kimberly Sue Endicott– were kidnapped on a safari tour in Uganda’s most visited national park. The kidnapping took place on April 2nd by an unorganized criminal group. According to the Ugandan police force, the tourists were allegedly, “ambushed by four gunmen in military uniforms. [They] held the group at gunpoint before snatching the keys to their safari vehicle and fleeing with Endicott and the guide, identified as Congolese national Jean-Paul Mirenge Remezo”. The kidnappers then used one of the victims cell phone to demand a $500,000 USD ransom in exchange for the victims.

The tourists were then recovered on April 8 by Ugandan police unharmed in the nearby Democratic Republic of Congo. The Ugandan government cannot pay ransoms however the ransom was allegedly paid for by the safari group, Wild Frontiers Uganda.

The operation to capture the kidnappers, continued for about two days closely alongside Congolese authorities, which ended in the Kanungu district of Uganda resulted 8 arrests and two later arrests in unspecified regions. “We have an intelligence-led operation, which was calculated and tactical in the early stages, and is now progressing unhindered, with raids and extensive searches,” Ugandan police force spokesperson Fred Enanga told reporters at a press conference April 9th. “Security has been tightened in all national parks for tourists’ safety. Tourists are encouraged to continue visiting the parks and to enjoy Uganda’s wildlife abundance.” Uganda Tourism Board CEO Lilly Ajarova said in a statement on April 9th.

Photo via CBS News