Al Qaeda Affiliate Kidnaps Two Russian Geologists in Niger

An Al Qaeda affiliate in West Africa's Sahel region has captured two Russian citizens in Niger. A video released by the group shows the hostages, who were working as geologists for a Russian company. The men identify themselves as Yuri and Oleg Gret, stating they were taken hostage in the gold-rich Mbanga area. The incident underscores the growing insurgency threats in Niger and the increasing ties between Niger and Russia following last year's coup.

An Al Qaeda affiliate in the Sahel region of West Africa has kidnapped two Russian citizens in Niger, as revealed in a video released by the group on Friday.

The video from the media foundation of Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) shows on-camera statements by the captives, who said they were employees of a Russian company in southwestern Niger when they were captured. They identified themselves as Russians named Yuri and Oleg Gret, and confirmed they were taken prisoner in Mbanga, about 60 km west of the capital, Niamey. The timeframe of the kidnapping was not disclosed.

Gret, a geologist, mentioned on his social media profile that he had been working in Africa since at least 2013. The video's filming location and date remain unclear. Russia's foreign ministry has yet to comment, while a Niger security source claimed the pair were taken about a week ago while visiting gold mines. Mbanga is in the Tillaberi region, known for its gold reserves and active Islamist militant insurgencies. Following a coup last year, Niger's junta has ousted Western forces and strengthened ties with Russia.