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.

Read more: BBC News