India ramps up efforts for safe return of J&K national abducted in Niger

The Centre has intensified efforts to ensure the safe return of Ranjit Singh, an Indian national from Jammu and Kashmir, who was abducted in a terror attack in Niger earlier this month.

 

The Indian Embassy in Niamey, Niger, has confirmed the terror attack and said it is closely coordinating with local authorities. In an official statement posted on X, the Embassy said, “In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger’s Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives and one was abducted. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains and ensure the safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant.”

 

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday said the Indian Embassy in Niger is actively working on the case. “Important update and follow-up on Ranjit Singh, hailing from Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir, who has gone missing in Niger. In response to continuous follow-up by my office, the Ministry of External Affairs has shared inputs from the Indian Embassy in Niamey, Niger. The embassy is continuously on the job and making every effort to ensure Ranjit Singh’s release from the alleged kidnappers,” Singh posted on social media.

 

A day earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had urged the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene. “The Chief Minister has expressed deep concern over the abduction of Ranjit Singh, a resident of Ramban, in Niger. He urges the Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to urgently intervene to secure Ranjit’s safe and swift return,” read a post from the official handle of the J&K Chief Minister’s Office.

 

Singh, a native of Chakka Kundi village in Ramban — part of Dr Singh’s Lok Sabha constituency — was reportedly abducted on July 15 during a terror attack in Niger’s Dosso region.  According to reports, the attack targeted a Nigerien army unit guarding a power infrastructure project. Two Indian nationals were killed in the incident, and Singh was taken captive by armed assailants.

 

Singh’s family is pleading for urgent intervention. His wife, Sheela Devi, met the deputy commissioner of Ramban and requested help in reaching the Ministry of External Affairs. Singh has three young children who are also anxious about the safety of their father and are hoping for his safe return.

India