Breaking: American Missionary Abducted in Niger Amid Rising Islamist Militancy Concerns

The U.S. government has confirmed its awareness of the abduction of an American Christian missionary in Niger, a West African nation, according to official sources who spoke with Fox News.

These sources suspect that the missionary has been transported north to regions controlled by the Islamic State, where an ISIS affiliate is active.

“We are aware of reports regarding the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Niamey, Niger,” a spokesperson from the State Department stated to Fox News. “Upon learning of this incident, our Embassy personnel have been collaborating closely with local authorities. Ensuring the safety of American citizens is a top priority for the Trump Administration, and various branches of the U.S. Government are actively working to secure the safe recovery and return of this citizen.”

The abducted missionary serves as a pilot for the evangelical organization Serving in Mission, as reported by Reuters.

The abduction took place only about 100 yards from the presidential palace in Niamey, where ousted President Mohamed Bazoum has been held since he was toppled by a coup more than two years ago, according to CBS News. 

Following the kidnapping, the U.S. Embassy in Niger said it now requires all personnel to travel only in armored vehicles and announced that all restaurants and open-air markets are “off-limits”.

Kidnappings appear to have intensified this year in areas of West Africa where militants operate. An Austrian woman was abducted in January in Niger, and a Swiss citizen was abducted in April in the same country, Reuters reported.

In addition, five Indian citizens working for 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. 

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.