ISIS Militants Abduct Two Chinese Nationals in Niger Republic

Suspected ISIS Sahel militants have kidnapped two Chinese nationals in a coordinated attack in Agadez, Niger Republic, killing two Nigerien security personnel from the Garde Nationale du Niger (GNN). According to counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama, the victims were employees of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). He noted that the incident is part of a growing trend of abductions and killings linked to the extremist group, which has been increasing its influence in the region. Makama warned that the targeting of foreign nationals, including past abductions of high-profile figures like former petroleum minister Barke Moustapha and Spanish tourists in Algeria, may be aimed at securing ransom payments or negotiating the release of detained ISIS members. He described the situation in Niger as a serious security threat with the potential to destabilize the region further.