The U.S. government has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens not to travel to Niger, citing growing risks of crime, armed attacks, and kidnappings.
The warning comes ten days after the abduction of a U.S. citizen in the capital, Niamey.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department emphasized that Americans should avoid travel to Niger for any reason, noting that consular services outside Niamey are extremely limited due to the deteriorating security environment.
The department also announced that family members of U.S. government personnel have been authorized to leave the country, while staff remaining in Niger must comply with strict security protocols, including the use of armored vehicles and mandatory curfews.
The advisory follows a wave of kidnappings targeting foreigners in Niger, including the recent abduction of a U.S. missionary affiliated with a Christian organization.
