By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

At least 15 foreign nationals have been abducted between July 2024 and April 2025, as terrorism and lawlessness tighten their grip on several regions, particularly in the west and southeast of Niger as the country continues to witness a disturbing surge in insecurity.

Security sources report that foreign nationals from India, Switzerland, China, Austria, Morocco, Russia, and Ukraine have been victims of abductions in Tillab?ri, Agadez, and Diffa regions, all known hotspots of armed insurgency and banditry.

Key incidents include: April 26, 2025: Five Indian workers abducted during an ambush in Sakoira, Tillab?ri region. April 13, 2025: Swiss national Claudia Abbt kidnapped in Agadez. February 1, 2025: Two Chinese nationals abducted in Agadem, Diffa. January 19, 2025: Four Moroccan drivers seized on the Dori?Terra axis in Tillab?ri. January 11, 2025: Austrian citizen Eva Gretzmacher kidnapped in Agadez. July 18, 2024: Russian and Ukrainian nationals abducted in Mbanga, Tillab?ri region.

Beyond these recorded incidents, authorities remain silent on other reported disappearances, including multiple national abductions. Among the known local cases are: The Mayor of Bilma and six collaborators, reportedly seized by the Front Patriotique pour la Justice (FPJ); A nurse abducted near Terra; Two drivers kidnapped close to the Samira gold site;

Alassane Souleymane, former Director-General of the Office des Produits Vivriers du Niger (OPVN), still missing. In addition, humanitarian sources report hundreds of civilians unaccounted for in the volatile zone of the ?three borders? (Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali), an area increasingly cut off by terrorist control and violence.

Since the deterioration of state authority, numerous towns including Bankilar?, Fambita, Makalondi, Libiri, Tiawa, and Kollo have faced recurrent attacks, displacement, and virtual blockade by armed groups. Local populations continue to endure what they describe as abandonment in the face of mounting insecurity.

There was growing discontent among citizens, particularly amid accusations that the current military-led authorities prioritize propaganda over protection. Critics have denounced what they call ?charlatanic patriotic communication,? accusing the leadership of minimizing the crisis while communities suffer under the weight of violence, economic collapse, and isolation. (Zagazola, but headline rejigged)

Update news