American missionary kidnapped in Niger, first 48 hours critical

A security expert told Fox News Digital that the first 48 hours were crucial in the search for a kidnapped American Christian missionary in the West African country of Niger who may have already been moved between areas controlled by the Islamic State where an ISIS branch operates.

Bryan Stern, founder of the crisis response group Gray Bull Rescue, said in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital that in most staged kidnappings, those who take a hostage are rarely the same ones who hold them.

“What happens in most of these cases is that the one who took the hostage is not the one holding the hostage,” Stern said. “People who hold hostages are generally much smarter, much more capable, less disposable… so finding them as quickly as possible is important in a very demonstrable way.”

Stern said each hour that passes reduces the chances of recovery. In many cases, hostages are quickly exchanged or sold between groups for different reasons – from ransom to propaganda – making it difficult to know what the captors want.

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This photo taken on September 7, 2023 shows Niger’s presidential palace in Niamey. The building has remained under the control of the military junta since the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in a 2023 coup. (AFP via Getty Images)

“It’s easy to understand who took someone, but once people start being traded like cards and such, it’s hard to understand what the current holding party wants,” he said.

Groups often operate with their own chain of command and hierarchy, each with different goals and levels of influence.

“All these different things play a role in how you’re going to get someone back, and the most dangerous thing to do is send in ninjas and shoot everyone,” Stern said. “It’s the riskiest thing we do because there’s no margin for error.”

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Nigerien junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani salutes during an official ceremony in Niamey, Niger, August 26, 2023. Tchiani seized power in a July 2023 coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum and has ruled the West African nation ever since. (AFP via Getty Images)

U.S. officials confirmed they were aware of the kidnapping, which took place in Niamey, about 100 meters from Niger’s presidential palace. The missionary, a pilot with the evangelical group Serving in Mission, was reportedly taken north toward an area controlled by a branch of ISIS.

A State Department spokesperson said embassy officials were working closely with local authorities and the Trump administration considered the safe return of the U.S. citizen a top priority. The US embassy also restricted staff travel to armored vehicles and banned visits to restaurants and open-air markets.

Stern described the region as “31 flavors,” meaning it is home to everything from Russian proxies to criminal gangs and Islamic fundamentalists.

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General view of a crowded market in Niamey, Niger, May 17, 2023. The capital has faced increasing instability since the 2023 military coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum. (Michele Cattani/AFP via Getty Images)

While it is easy to assume that Islamist militants were behind the kidnapping, Mr. Stern cautioned: “Until you know…it becomes speculation.”

“At some point, someone will ask for something, you hope,” he said. “It’s very scary when they don’t ask for anything…the worst case scenario is a hostage situation by someone who doesn’t want anything. Then there’s no choice but to find them and kill them, and I hope you survive this process.”

For now, the focus is on finding evidence of life and establishing communication.

U.S. special operations units are likely monitoring surveillance and communications from the area, but Stern warned that a rescue attempt would be “the most dangerous thing special operations can do.”

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Officials did not say whether any group had claimed responsibility or issued any demands.

Michael Dorgan and Paul Tilsley of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.