US Pilot Abducted in Niger’s Capital Niamey

A 48-year-old US pilot working with a Christian humanitarian organization was kidnapped in Niamey, the capital of Niger, sparking a nationwide manhunt by security forces.

The abduction occurred in a heavily guarded area of Niamey, where the pilot was stationed for a humanitarian mission. Nigerien security authorities are searching for the victim and perpetrators, but no group has claimed responsibility.

Militant organizations linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State are active in Niger, but kidnappings in Niamey are rare, with the last known case in 2011. This incident is part of a larger trend of terrorist activity in the Sahel region, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The security situation in Niger has worsened since the 2023 mil, which ended cooperation with Western security partners.

A 74-year-old Austrian woman and a 66-year-old Swiss woman were earlier this year abducted in the desert town of Agadez, which is about 950 kilometres north of the capital. Both of them were long-term residents of Niger and were reportedly taken into neighbouring Mali and sold to Islamic State militants. Their whereabouts remain unknown.

READ ALSO: Sahel’s Islamist Surge: Africa Risks Losing Control of Its Security

Editor

+ postsBio

• Editor

  World’s Third Smallest Country Changes Name
• Editor

  “Peace Is Built, Not Imposed”: Gen Nwachukwu Says Trust, Not Guns, Will Secure South-East
• Editor

  African Voices To Gather In Lagos For Roundtable On South Africa’s Anti-Immigrant Stance
• Editor

  Resurfaced: ‘No Victor, No Vanquished Was A Lie’ — Late Biafra Officer Gbulie Accused Gowon Of 5-Year Detention