KOTA KINABALU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - 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 (Dec 8).

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

A press conference will be held at Semporna police headquarters at 10.30am on Friday (Dec 9).

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

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.