Gunmen have kidnapped three people who worked on a farm owned by Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo in south-western Ogun state.

The gunmen opened fire on a vehicle transporting the three, before abducting them and running into a forest.

Ogun police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the abductions.

Security forces have embarked on a manhunt for the kidnappers in a bid to rescue the victims, he added.

Mr Obasanjo owns a company which is heavily involved in farming, especially poultry.

The motive for the abductions is still unclear, but kidnappings for ransom have been on the rise across Nigeria despite increased security operations.