The missionary was captured in the West African nation and likely taken north to an area controlled by Islamic State–linked militants, sources say
By Catholics for Catholics
Some suspected Islamist militants allegedly kidnapped an American missionary who was working in the West African country of Niger, according to Fox News.
Fox News reported that the missionary was probably taken north, to a sector controlled by the Islamic State-linked militants. Captured in Niamey, the capital, the man who has not been formally identified, was kidnapped about 100 yards away from the presidential palace.
The victim has labored as a missionary for a US-based charity, and lived in Niger since 2010. The presidential palace is the place where ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been held since he was overthrown during a coup in 2023.
Fox News reported that the U.S. government is aware of the kidnapping of the American Christian missionary.
“We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Niamey, Niger,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News. “Since we were alerted of the situation, our Embassy officials have been working with local authorities. It is a top priority for the Trump Administration to look after the safety of every American, and we are seeing efforts from across the U.S. Government to support the recovery and safe return of this U.S. citizen.”
According to Reuters, the missionary is a pilot for the evangelical missionary agency Serving in Mission. After the kidnapping, the U.S. Embassy in Niger said it now commands all personnel to travel only in armored vehicles and announced that all restaurants and open-air markets are “off-limits.”
Seemingly, kidnappings have apparently increased in 2025 in areas of West Africa where militants operate. In January, an Austrian woman was abducted in Niger, and in April a Swiss citizen was abducted in the same country, Reuters reported.
In addition, five Indian citizens employed by a company providing services to Niger’s Kandadji dam project were kidnapped during an attack by armed men in April that also killed a dozen soldiers, according to the outlet.
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