The cops in Maldives on Monday reported the detention of three men in connection to the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan.

According to officials, Rilwan is believed to have been abducted at knife point from outside his apartment building in Hulhumale on August 8, Xinhua reported.

Local media outlet Minivan News, where Rilwan was employed, has reported that the disappearance could be linked to gang violence and religious extremists.

Last week, the Minivan News office was attacked and its security cameras vandalised.

The organisation claimed its journalists had received death threats via mobile texts.