The U.S. government has confirmed its awareness of an American Christian missionary’s abduction in Niger, a country in West Africa, according to official sources who spoke with Fox News.
Officials believe the missionary has been transported north to territories controlled by an ISIS offshoot. These areas are known to be under the influence of the Islamic State.
“We are cognizant of reports regarding the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Niamey, Niger,” stated a spokesperson from the State Department in a communication with Fox News. “Upon receiving the alert, our Embassy personnel have been coordinating closely with local authorities. Ensuring the safety of American citizens is a paramount concern for the Trump Administration, and comprehensive efforts are being made across the U.S. Government to facilitate the safe recovery and return of this individual.”
The alleged abduction reportedly occurred just about 100 yards from Niger’s presidential palace in Niamey. The image of the palace, taken in 2023, underscores the proximity of the incident. (AFP via Getty Images)
According to Reuters, the kidnapped individual serves as a pilot with the evangelical missionary organization, Serving in Mission.
Niamey, the capital of Niger, has seen growing unrest since the military coup in 2023 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. A view of a bustling street market captured on May 17, 2023, reflects the city’s current instability. (Michele Cattani / AFP via Getty Images)
The abduction took place only about 100 yards from the presidential palace in Niamey, where ousted President Mohamed Bazoum has been held since he was toppled by a coup more than two years ago, according to CBS News.
Following the kidnapping, the U.S. Embassy in Niger said it now requires all personnel to travel only in armored vehicles and announced that all restaurants and open-air markets are “off-limits”.
Kidnappings appear to have intensified this year in areas of West Africa where militants operate. An Austrian woman was abducted in January in Niger, and a Swiss citizen was abducted in April in the same country, Reuters reported.
Niger’s junta leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, salutes during an official ceremony in Niamey, Niger, on Aug. 26, 2023. Tchiani seized power in a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and has ruled the West African nation since. (AFP via Getty Images)
In addition, five Indian citizens working for a company providing services to Niger’s Kandadji dam project were kidnapped during an attack by armed men in April that also killed a dozen soldiers, according to the outlet.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
