Jharkhand Workers Freed After Eight Months in Niger Captivity

Five migrant workers from Jharkhand, who were kidnapped in Niger in April, have been freed and returned to India after eight months. Their release was facilitated by the collaboration of local authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs. The workers, who had gone to Niger for employment, were abducted during an armed raid. They are currently in Mumbai for health checks and legal formalities before heading home. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by migrant workers abroad.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 10, 2026, 14:48 IST

Release of Abducted Workers

Five migrant workers from Jharkhand, who were kidnapped in Niger back in April, have been successfully released and returned to India, as reported by local government officials on Friday.

The individuals, identified as Sanjay Mahto, Raju Mahto, Chandrika Mahto, Faljit Mahto, and Uttam Mahto, hail from Giridih district.

These workers had traveled to Niger in January 2024 to join Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited.

They were abducted on April 25 when an armed group attacked their work camp, taking them and another local resident hostage after killing 12 security personnel stationed there.

According to Shikha Lakra, the leader of the Jharkhand State Migrant Control Room, the five workers have reached Mumbai, where they are currently undergoing health assessments and completing necessary legal procedures. They are expected to return home by Wednesday.

Ramniwas Yadav, the Deputy Commissioner of Giridih, stated that the successful return of the workers was made possible through effective collaboration between the Jharkhand government, the state migrant control room, and the Ministry of External Affairs.