A man's toe was cut off and tortured by a group of five men, including two soldiers, police said on Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent of Police Hassan Shifau told a news conference that a 30-year-old man was kidnapped and tortured with one toe on his left foot cut off with a sharp weapon.

"He was assaulted near his left eye and it caused bleeding, swelling and bruising. There were also wounds on various parts of his body that were believed to be caused by fire and wounds due to beating and assault," he said.

Suspects taken into custody

1. Ali Saamy, 25, from Raa Kandholhudhoo
2. Ahmed Saaif Waheed, 18, Gaaf Dhaal Gadhdhoo
3. Mohamed Nahushan Hussain, 21, Thaa Thimarafushi
4. Mohamed Nafaah, 23, Kaafu Maafushi
5. Ahmed Zayan, 24, Laamu Gan

Mohamed Nafaah and Ahmed Zayaan were soldiers from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

Shifau said their information had been provided to MNDF and that the agency was working to take necessary action against them.

He added that three minors below the age of 18 were also involved in the case and that further investigations were underway.

Police believe the victim was a drug peddler for the group and items used to sell drugs were found in the two apartments where he was held hostage.

Some items related to the five suspects were recovered from the two apartments, police said.