American Missionary Pilot Abducted in Niger Republic

An American missionary pilot has been kidnapped in Niger’s capital, Niamey, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

According to security sources who spoke to Reuters, the victim, a pilot working with the Christian missionary organization Serving in Mission (SIM), was taken by three unidentified men on Tuesday night. The incident occurred in the Plateau area of Niamey while the missionary was reportedly on his way to the airport.

The assailants forced the victim into a vehicle and fled the scene. His whereabouts remain unknown as of Wednesday afternoon.

A diplomat familiar with the situation said the kidnappers were believed to be moving toward western Niger, but this has not been independently confirmed by authorities.

The United States Department of State has acknowledged the abduction, stating that American officials are working with local authorities to investigate and secure the individual’s release. The department did not provide further details, citing security reasons.

The incident adds to a series of abductions involving foreign nationals in Niger this year. In separate cases, foreign citizens from Austria, Switzerland, and India were also kidnapped in different parts of the country.

Niger, which has faced political instability since 2023, continues to experience security challenges in some regions. Armed groups operating in remote areas have carried out attacks and kidnappings, prompting calls for stronger safety measures.

As of the time of this report, neither the Nigerien government nor Serving in Mission had issued an official statement regarding the abduction.

Authorities in Niamey have launched an investigation into the incident.