Niger, July22,2025:The Indian Embassy in Niamey issued alerts to all Indians in Niger to stay vigilant. They are coordinating with Nigerien authorities to repatriate bodies and secure Ranjit’s release.
What was the Niger Terror Attack?
On July 15, a brutal Niger Terror Attack struck migrants and security personnel working at an electrical transmission site in Dosso, about 130 km from Niamey, the capital. Terrorists on motorcycles opened fire on workers and Nigerien army guards, killing two Indian nationals, two local soldiers, and three locals, while one Indian was abducted.
Fatalities, Abduction & Eyewitness Accounts
Who were the victims?
- Ganesh Karmali (39), hailing from Gomia block in Bokaro, Jharkhand, was completing assignment and tragically lost his life.
- Krishna Kumar Gupta, from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, also died in the attack; his body was recovered on July 17.
- Ranjit Singh, Chief Safety Officer from Ramban, Jammu & Kashmir, remains abducted and missing after being seized.
- Eyewitness account
Site engineer Premlal Karmali, an eyewitness, recounted how attackers on motorcycles “opened fire around 10 AM near locations 82–86.” He added:
“We all ran. Ganesh dada went toward security guards”
Another worker saw militants forcibly bind Ranjit Singh onto a bike and ride into nearby forests.
Impact on Indian Families
Ganesh’s family
His wife, Yashoda Devi, is devastated and unable to eat or sleep. His brother-in-law, Umesh, said she has “not eaten a morsel in two days” Their daughters—10th and 5th graders—and a 2‑year‑old toddler are now without support. Their 62‑year‑old father, Dhanaram, is distraught, questioning how he will care for them alone.
Krishna’s grief
His wife, Punita Madeshia, is in shock, refusing food. His brother Pradeep shared, “It’s been two days, and she hasn’t eaten a bite”.
Ranjit’s family plea
His wife, Sheela Devi, recalled a WhatsApp chat on July 14, where Ranjit promised he’d be home soon. She now pleads for his safe return: “Modiji, please bring him back,” says his father urging Indian authorities.
Government Actions & Compensation
- The Indian Embassy in Niamey issued alerts to all Indians in Niger to stay vigilant. They are coordinating with Nigerien authorities to repatriate bodies and secure Ranjit’s release.
- Jharkhand & Uttar Pradesh officials are engaging with families: Jharkhand has initiated compensation through the International Migrant Workers’ Security Scheme (<₹500,000) plus additional aid. Gorakhpur authorities are in HR contact for Krishna’s family’s entitlements.
- The Bokaro administration provided emergency food and ₹10,000 to Ganesh’s family, with ongoing socio‑economic support promised.
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed on July 22 that all efforts are underway for Ranjit’s safe release.
Security Situation in Niger
The Dosso and Tillaberi regions are hotbeds of jihadist insurgency tied to al‑Qaida and IS groups. Since the July 2023 coup, extremist attacks have surged; June 2025 saw over 100 civilian deaths in militant operations. Terrorist abductions of foreign nationals are rising: five Indians were kidnapped in April, along with aid workers from Austria and Switzerland.
External Resources for Context
- For background on the larger jihadist insurgency and Sahel conflict: see the “Islamist insurgency in Niger” entry on Wikipedia.
- To understand Niger’s broader turmoil and impact on foreigners: refer to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project and terrorism analysis like AP, NDTV, Firstpost.
The horrific Niger Terror Attack laid bare the perils faced by migrant workers in unstable regions. Two Indian lives were lost, and one man—Ranjit Singh—remains in captivity. Families are plunged into crisis; governments are responding swiftly. The incident reflects a grim reality: foreign laborers in conflict zones are prime targets. Continued vigilance, security reassessments for such projects, and diplomatic intervention remain essential.
