Unidentified armed terrorists kidnapped seven police personnel, including the station house officer (SHO) of Sararogha Police Station, in the volatile Upper South Waziristan district on Wednesday.

The abducted officials include SHO Ahmad Shah and two members of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU). The others are Driver Hazrat Umar, Gunner Tariq, Gunner Kaleem, Gunner Abdullah Shah and BDU personnel Abdul Razzaq and Ibrahim.

District Police Officer (DPO) Arshad Khan said a police team accompanied by the BDU was dispatched to the remote Partogai area of Sararogha tehsil to neutralise suspected unexploded explosive material.

Read: Four policemen abducted in Gwadar

After successfully disposing of the explosives and completing the operation, the team was returning to the police station in an official vehicle when unidentified armed men intercepted them, took the personnel hostage and moved them to an unknown location.

According to police sources, the abduction occurred roughly six kilometres from the Sararogha Police Station. Initial reports suggest the attackers were lying in ambush and struck as the team was returning after completing its assignment.

Immediately after receiving information about the incident, police and security forces launched a massive search operation in the area. Roadblocks were established on key mountainous routes and entry-exit points to restrict the movement of the kidnappers.

“The safe recovery of the abducted personnel is our top priority,” DPO Khan said. “All available resources are being utilised for this purpose. We have also registered a formal case and an investigation is underway from multiple angles.”

Also Read: Second cop abducted near Peshawar border

The incident triggered widespread concern among locals. Tribal elders, community leaders, and civil society representatives urged the government and security agencies to take immediate and effective steps for the safe and early release of the kidnapped officers.

The kidnapping comes amid a noticeable spike in terrorism and lawlessness in Upper South Waziristan over the past two weeks. Several firing incidents have been reported recently, resulting in casualties and injuries. Residents say the deteriorating security situation has heightened the sense of insecurity in the area.