2 Indians Killed, One Abducted In 'Heinous' Terror Attack On Their Worksite In Niger

Last Updated:July 19, 2025, 10:26 IST

At least two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives, and one was abducted during a clash between local police and a militant group at their worksite in Niger.

Family members of migrant worker Ganesh Karmali, who was killed in Niger. (Photo: X)

Two Indian nationals were killed, and one was abducted in an alleged terror attack on their worksite in the country of Niger on July 15 that left a total of six people dead, confirmed the Indian embassy in Niger on Saturday.

“In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger’s Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives, and one was abducted. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," said the Indian Embassy in Niger.

According to the The Indian Express, one of the workers killed in the attack was a 39-year-old migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Bokaro district, identified as Ganesh Karmali.

The other deceased Indian worker was identified only as Krishnan from a southern India state. The abducted Indian national was identified as Ranjit Singh from Jammu and Kashmir, who reportedly provided security to Transrail Lighting Ltd, where all the deceased workers were employed.

“Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate mortal remains and ensure safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant," said the Indian Embassy.

What Happened In Niger?

Local sources told AFP that unidentified armed attackers ambushed a Nigerien army unit providing security at a construction site for an electrical line in the Dosso region, around 100 kilometres (63 miles) from the capital Niamey.

Karmail’s family told The Indian Express that his brother-in-law, Premlal Karmali, also worked at the same site and sustained bullet injuries. He is under police protection in Niger, along with four other workers from Jharkhand who want to return home.

Shikha Lakra, head of the State Migrant Workers Control Room under the Labour Department, said Karmail died in the crossfire between police and militants and a process to repatriate workers from Niger has been initiated, along with the remains of the deceased workers.

Sapna Kumari, Ganesh Karmali’s 20-year-old daughter, said her father had assured the family that his company insurance cover was worth Rs 40 lakh, but the company has now promised to give the family only Rs 12 lakh. “We haven’t even been contacted by the company directly. Only the contractor is speaking to us. We just want justice and for my father’s body to return with dignity," she said.

The Dosso region borders both Nigeria and Benin, where attacks regularly target civilians, the army and also a giant oil pipeline transporting crude from Niger to Benin. The authorities generally blame such attacks on “terrorists" or “bandits".

Niger, under military rule following a 2023 coup, has faced around a decade of violence perpetrated by jihadists affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

According to official Indian sources, five Indian technicians were kidnapped in an April 25 attack just north of the nearby town of Sakoira. Twelve Nigerien soldiers were killed in that attack.

(with agency inputs)

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News world 2 Indians Killed, One Abducted In 'Heinous' Terror Attack On Their Worksite In Niger