QUITO, Jan 9, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - At least four police officers were kidnapped in Ecuador following a declaration of a state of emergency on Monday, police said, hours after a dangerous narco boss escaped from maximum security detention.

In the coastal city of Machala "three police officers, who were on duty at the scene, were kidnapped", while a fourth officer was kidnapped in the capital Quito, Ecuador's police force said on X.

The officers were abducted by three people driving a vehicle "without license plates", according to the police statement.

President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day nationwide state of emergency on Monday, triggering the mobilization of soldiers on streets and in prisons, as well as a nightly curfew from 11:00 pm to 05:00 am.

In a video posted on Instagram, Noboa said the state of emergency would allow armed forces to enter and help control prisons.

"We will not negotiate with terrorists nor rest until we return peace to all Ecuadorans," he said.

Authorities are looking for Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito", who was serving a 34-year sentence for organized crime, drug trafficking and murder.

The Attorney General's office filed charges against two prison officials it accuses of being involved in Macias' escape.