American missionary reportedly kidnapped in Niger

An American missionary was kidnapped from his home in the West African nation of Niger, multiple security sources told BBC’s US partner CBS News.

The man, who has not been officially identified, was kidnapped in the capital, Niamey, on Tuesday, about 100 yards (91 metres) from the presidential palace where ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been held since he was toppled in a coup in 2023.

Sources told US media that the man has worked as a missionary for a US-based charity, and lived in Niger since 2010. It is unclear who kidnapped him.

The US state department has said it is aware of reports of an American citizen kidnapped in Niger.

A department spokesperson added that US embassy officials are working with local authorities.

“We are seeing efforts from across the US government to support the recovery and safe return of this US citizen,” the spokesperson said.

Security sources told CBS the man was kidnapped by three unidentified gunmen, though there are no known demands from kidnappers.

The American’s phone was tracked to a location around 56 miles north of Niamey, an area “considered a sanctuary for groups affiliated with the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara,” according to Nigerien security sources cited by CBS.

It comes two years after a July 2023 coup and ouster of Niger’s democratically elected president Bazoum, which were followed by General Abdourahamane Tiani and his military junta taking power.

Bazoum was overthrown by presidential guards who stood watch outside his palace. Sources told CBS that Bazoum has been held in the palace since, living in two rooms with no windows.

Niger is a key part of the African region known as the Sahel – a belt of land stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. The area has been afflicted by jihadists and beset by military regimes.

It is the largest country in West Africa. Before the coup, it had been seen as an example of relative democratic stability compared to its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso.

The US state department previously described Niger as “important as a linchpin for stability in the Sahel” and “a reliable counter-terrorism partner” against various Islamist groups linked to either Islamic State or al-Qaeda.