In a significant diplomatic and administrative success, five migrant workers from Jharkhand, who were held captive by armed militants in the West African nation of Niger for eight months, have finally been released and are safe. The successful resolution came after sustained and coordinated efforts by the Jharkhand government, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Embassy in Niamey, and their employer.
A Terrifying Abduction in Broad Daylight
The nightmare for the workers began on April 25, 2025. The men, employed by Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL), were targeted near their project site in Niger. As Indian and local workers were returning after their lunch break, armed militants opened fire on them. The attack was sudden and violent, with survivors recounting that the firing continued for nearly half an hour.
In the ensuing chaos, as workers tried to escape in a company vehicle, several were intercepted by attackers who were moving in groups on motorcycles. When the dust settled, five workers from Jharkhand—Chandrika Mahto, Sanjay Mahto, Raju Mahto, Faljit Mahto, and Uttam Mahto—along with one local resident, were found missing. All five Indian nationals are residents of Bagodar in Giridih district, Jharkhand. Authorities later confirmed this was part of a larger militant operation targeting both local and foreign workers.
Sustained Coordination for Safe Release
The Jharkhand government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, took immediate action after the abduction was reported. Soren directed the state's Migrant Control Room (SMCR) to spearhead coordination with all relevant entities. This included constant liaison with KPTL, the Protector of Emigrants under the MEA, and the Indian Embassy in Niger's capital, Niamey.
This multi-agency effort, which persisted for over eight months, ultimately bore fruit. On January 10, 2026, the Jharkhand government announced the safe release of all five workers. The SMCR confirmed that the men are safe, in contact with officials, and arrangements are being finalized to bring them home. These arrangements include a thorough medical examination and the completion of necessary formalities.
Support for Families During the Crisis
While diplomatic channels worked on securing the workers' release, the Jharkhand administration ensured their families back home were not left in the lurch. The Giridih district administration was instructed to extend the full spectrum of social security schemes to the affected families.
This comprehensive support included:
- Provision of ration cards, Ayushman Bharat health cards, and MGNREGA job cards.
- Ensuring pension benefits, housing scheme access, and Ujjwala LPG connections.
- Facilitating tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission and e-Shram registration.
Furthermore, the company, KPTL, was directed to continue depositing the salaries of the abducted workers into their bank accounts, providing crucial financial stability to their dependents during the extremely stressful period.
The kidnapping had sent shockwaves through the Indian worker community at the project site in Niger, with many expressing a desire to return home due to heightened security fears. The successful resolution of this eight-month-long crisis highlights the critical role of persistent government intervention in protecting Indian citizens abroad, especially migrant workers in volatile regions.
