Two Limerick men being questioned by gardaí last night are central to the investigation into the alleged gunpoint abduction of brothers Kieran and Eddie Ryan.
The two men were arrested in the Kileely area of Limerick city last Saturday night.
They were held for an initial period of 48 hours under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
But yesterday their period of detention was extended by a further 24 hours following an application to the court.
The pair were last night being quizzed at Henry Street Garda Station in the city.
It's understood the two men - who are connected to the Ryan family - are being questioned about the alleged gunpoint abduction, which took place on January 23rd last.
They are aged 19 and 20 and have addresses on the north side of Limerick city.
A woman in her 20s was also being questioned last night in connection with the investigation into the gangland killing of crime boss Kieran Keane.
The 36-year-old was shot in the back of the head in an execution-style killing in on January 29th last. Keane's nephew, Mr Owen Treacy, was stabbed several times in the same attack and narrowly escaped death.
The woman was arrested on Sunday night in Limerick city and is also being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
Her arrest brings to 20 the number of people questioned so far in connection with Keane's murder and related incidents.
No one has yet been charged but a file is being prepared for the DPP.
Meanwhile, the arrest of three associates of Kieran Keane in Co Kildare last Friday night has increased fears of an escalation of violence in the feuds in Limerick.
The three men were arrested in Kill, Co Kildare, after gardaí stopped and searched two cars on the Naas Dual Carriageway.
During the searches of the cars component parts of a suspected explosive device were found.
The device that was found is similar to those that are used by paramilitaries in the North.
The three men were detained at Naas Garda Station for questioning but were released without charge on Sunday.
A file is being prepared for the DPP.