Kidnapping of Three Italians in the Gourma Region: Uncertainty and Contradictions
Three Italian nationals were reportedly abducted on March 19, 2025, in the Gourma region, an area under the strong influence of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), near the borders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The details remain unclear, and many questions remain unanswered.
Unclear Location and Conflicting Reports
There is conflicting information regarding the exact location of the abduction. Some sources contacted by African Security Analysis (ASA) indicate Tillabéri in Niger, while others mention Leletan in Burkina Faso. Additionally, another village with the same name exists near Ansongo, on the Mali-Niger border, adding to the confusion. However, an official source contacted by African Security Analysis from Niger has denied that any kidnapping occurred on its territory, ruling out this possibility.
Who Are the Hostages?
The identities of the abducted individuals remain uncertain. Two main hypotheses have emerged:
• They might be Italian military personnel, though this seems unlikely. The Italian contingent is officially based in Niger, and any movement beyond this zone would require official authorization.• Other sources suggest the victims could be an Italian family of three. However, their presence in a region where foreign travel is strictly controlled raises significant concerns.
A Highly Volatile Region
The tri-border area is a highly unstable region where multiple armed terrorist groups operate. Among them, ISGS, which is active in northern Burkina Faso, is a prime suspect. The Katiba of Boubacar, alias Noumonguel, is mentioned as a possible perpetrator, although no group has claimed responsibility yet. The presence of Europeans in this region is extremely rare due to security risks and strict travel restrictions. This raises a critical question: How did these Italians end up in such a high-risk area without protection or official authorization?
ASA is actively investigating and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Discover More
Kenya–Somalia Border: IED Attack in Mandera Underscores Persistent Cross-Border Threat
Security conditions remain highly volatile along Kenya’s northeastern frontier with Somalia. On Thursday 16 January, an IED attack struck a police patrol in Mandera County, killing two Kenyan police reservists and injuring two others.
Cameroon Repositions Nkamouna-Lomié as a Strategic Battery Metals Asset
Cameroon has formally revived one of its most symbolically significant mining projects: the polymetallic deposit of Nkamouna-Lomié, located in the country’s eastern region. After more than two decades marked by delays, legal disputes, and repeated execution failures, the State has moved to reset the project under a renewed governance and partnership model.
Contact us to find out how our security services can support you.
We operate in almost all countries in Africa, including high-risk environments, monitoring and analyze ongoing conflicts, the hotspots and the potential upcoming threats on the continent. Every day. Around the clock.