U.S. Missionary Kidnapped in Niger, Officials Confirm

Niamey, Niger — The U.S. government is aware of the kidnapping of an American Christian missionary in Niger, according to official sources. The sources indicated that authorities suspect the missionary has been taken north to areas controlled by the Islamic State.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed the situation in a statement, saying, “We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Niamey, Niger. Since we were alerted of the situation, our Embassy officials have been working with local authorities.” The spokesperson emphasized that the safety of Americans is a “top priority” for the Trump Administration, and efforts are underway for the recovery of the abducted citizen.

The kidnapped missionary is identified as a pilot for the evangelical missionary agency Serving in Mission. The abduction occurred near the presidential palace in Niamey, close to where the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum has been detained since a coup more than two years ago.

In response to the kidnapping, the U.S. Embassy in Niger has mandated that all personnel travel exclusively in armored vehicles, declaring that restaurants and open-air markets are now “off-limits.”

This incident is part of a disturbing trend, as kidnappings in West Africa have surged this year amid heightened militant activity. An Austrian woman was abducted in January and a Swiss citizen in April, both in Niger. Additionally, five citizens affiliated with a company working on Niger’s Kandadji dam project were kidnapped in April during an armed assault that resulted in the deaths of several soldiers.

This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.