**Title:** Indian Government Works to Secure Release of Kidnapped National in Niger
**Meta Description:** The Indian government is actively pursuing the safe release of Ranjit Singh, kidnapped in Niger during a terror attack.
**URL Slug:** indian-national-kidnapped-niger-release-efforts
**Headline:** Indian Government Intensifies Efforts for Safe Release of Ranjit Singh, Kidnapped in Niger
The Indian government is making significant efforts to ensure the safe return of Ranjit Singh, an Indian national from Jammu and Kashmir, who was abducted during a terror attack in Niger. Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed on Tuesday that the Indian Embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger, is working tirelessly to secure his release.
Ranjit Singh was reportedly kidnapped by armed assailants on July 15, 2023, during an attack in the Dosso region, approximately 140 kilometers from Niamey. Tragically, two other Indian nationals lost their lives in the same incident. Singh was employed as a senior safety officer at Transrail Lighting Limited, a power transmission and distribution company operating in the West African nation.
In a tweet, Minister Singh stated, “In response to continuous follow-up by my office, the Ministry of External Affairs has sent the following response based on the inputs received from the Indian Embassy in Niamey. The embassy is actively engaged in efforts to secure Ranjit Singh’s release from his captors.” The embassy’s statement acknowledged the tragic incident and confirmed that they are in contact with the local government to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and ensure the safety and prompt release of Singh.
Singh’s family reported losing contact with him on the day of the attack. His wife, Sheela Devi, shared, “We communicated via WhatsApp on July 15, and since then, I have been unable to reach him. Initially, I was informed by his management that there was no network at the work site.” The family learned of his kidnapping the following day through a friend, despite the management’s claims that he had fled into the forest during the attack. Devi expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the company regarding her husband’s situation.
The security landscape in Niger has deteriorated significantly, particularly following a military coup in July 2023, which has led to increased violence and targeted attacks on foreign nationals. This year alone, numerous individuals, including aid workers and expatriates, have been kidnapped, with the recent attack on Indian nationals highlighting the escalating risks.
In conclusion, the Indian government remains committed to ensuring the safe release of Ranjit Singh amid a challenging security environment in Niger. The situation underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for foreign nationals in regions experiencing heightened violence.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What efforts is the Indian government making to secure Ranjit Singh’s release?**
A: The Indian government, through the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Niger, is actively working to negotiate Ranjit Singh’s safe return following his kidnapping during a terror attack.
