American Missionary Kidnapped in Niger's Capital

An American missionary serving as a pilot was kidnapped in Niamey, Niger's capital. The abduction was carried out by three unidentified men, heading to an area known for militant activities. The U.S. is coordinating with local authorities following the incident amid rising kidnapping cases in West Africa.

An American missionary was kidnapped on Tuesday night in Niamey, the capital of Niger, according to security sources. The missionary, associated with the evangelical agency Serving in Mission, was reportedly on his way to the airport when he was abducted by three unidentified men.

Sources indicate that the kidnappers moved toward the Tillaberi region, a known hotspot for Islamist militant activity. The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the incident, confirming reports of the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen but has refrained from providing additional details as they collaborate with local authorities.

The situation comes amid a noticeable rise in abductions in areas of West Africa associated with militant operations, including recent cases involving Austrian and Swiss citizens, as well as the kidnapping of five Indian nationals from a dam project in Niger earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)