American Missionary Abducted in Niger Amid Rising Kidnappings

An American missionary was kidnapped in Niger's capital Niamey by three unidentified men. The victim, associated with the evangelical agency Serving in Mission, was seized en route to the airport. Kidnappings are rising in West Africa, with militants active in the region.

Amid growing concerns about safety in West Africa, an American missionary has been abducted in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The missionary, working as a pilot for Serving in Mission, was taken by three unidentified individuals Tuesday night while heading to the airport.

The kidnappers reportedly moved towards Niger's Tillaberi region, notorious for the presence of Islamist militants affiliated with Islamic State and al Qaeda, according to a diplomatic source who spoke under anonymity. Other sources close to the case have yet to provide further information about the abduction.

In recent months, kidnapping incidents have surged in West Africa. Earlier this year, an Austrian woman and a Swiss citizen were abducted in Niger. Additionally, armed men kidnapped five Indian nationals working on the Kandadji dam project in April, resulting in the death of a dozen soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies.)