In 2011, Boko Haram abducted a British citizen along with an Italian citizen in Birnin-Kebbi and threatened to execute them unless demands were met. The UK launched a rescue mission carried out by the special forces unit, the Special Boat Service. The rescue attempt failed, resulting in the execution of both hostages.[5][6] In another incident, Ansaru, an off-shoot of Boko Haram, kidnapped seven construction workers, including one Briton in February 2013.