The police in Nigeria on Monday confirmed the abduction of a 90-year-old woman in southern oil rich state of Delta by unknown gunmen.

The victim was kidnapped from her home in Azungwu quarters in Aniocha area of the state last Monday by a six-man armed gang, Celestina Kalu, the state police spokesperson told reporters in Asaba, the state capital.

Kalu said upon the receipt of the report, the police dispatched an anti-robbery team to the scene.

The spokesperson said the police had intensified efforts to rescue the victim and arrest the culprits.

Kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria with more cases being recorded in the southern region. More than 500 people have suffered abduction in the oil-rich Niger Delta region since 2006.