A French tourist and his Algerian driver have been kidnapped in northern Niger, near the West African country's border with Mali and Algeria, a Nigerien military source said on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The seizure is the latest in a string of attacks in the vast desert region, where governments have little presence and a collection of bandits, former rebels, smugglers and groups linked to al Qaeda operate.
"A Frenchman and an Algerian driver were kidnapped on Wednesday night. It took place near Tiguidan Tessoun, which is equidistant from the border with Algeria to the east and Mali to the north," the source said, asking not to be named.
"It must be a tourist. He did not declare his itinerary to the security services. We are looking for them but, for now, do not know who is responsible for their seizure," the source added.
A French foreign ministry official said the government was checking the reports but could give no further information.
Six Europeans were kidnapped late last year in a flurry of seizures in the region. The hostages subsequently ended up in the hands of al Qaeda's North African wing, which has stepped up its activity in the Sahara zone in recent months.
Since then, four of the hostages have been released, though two Spaniards are still being held.
Analysts say groups linked to al Qaeda have swelled their coffers from ransoms paid to release the hostages, though there is never any confirmation that money changes hands.
...