An American missionary was kidnapped by Islamist militants in Niger

The American government is aware of the kidnapping of an American Christian missionary West African Niger nation, US official sources told Fox News.

Sources told Fox News they suspect the missionary may have been taken north to Islamic State-controlled areas where A branch of ISIS is operating.

“We are aware of reports of the abduction of an American citizen in Niamey, Niger,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News. “Since we were alerted to the situation, our embassy officials have been working with local authorities. Protecting the safety of every American citizen is the Trump administration’s top priority, and we look forward to the efforts of the entire US government for the recovery and safe return of this American citizen.”

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Niger’s presidential palace in Niamey in 2023. The abduction took place just 100 yards from the Presidential Palace. (AFP via Getty Images)

Accordingly, there is a pilot for an evangelical missionary agency serving as a missionary Reuters.

A general view of a crowded street market in Niamey, Niger on May 17, 2023. The capital city has faced increasing instability since a 2023 military coup deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. (Getty Images via Michele Cattani / AFP)

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The abduction took place just 100 yards from the presidential palace in Niamey, where ousted President Mohamed Bazoum has been held since he was ousted in a coup two years ago. CBS News.

After the hijacking, the US Embassy in Niger said all personnel must now travel only in armored vehicles and declared that all restaurants and open-air markets were “off-limits”.

Kidnapping incidents in West Africa, where militants are active, appear to have increased this year. An Austrian woman was kidnapped in Niger in January and a Swiss national was kidnapped in the same country in April, Reuters reported.

On August 26, 2023, Niger’s junta leader, General Abdurhamane Tchiani greets during an official ceremony in Niamey, Niger. Tchiani seized power in a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and has ruled the West African nation ever since. (AFP via Getty Images)

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In addition, five Indian Civilians working for a company providing services to Niger’s Kandaji dam project were kidnapped in April during an attack by armed men that also killed dozens of soldiers, the outlet said.

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

Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.