TNI Bureau: Five migrant workers from Jharkhand who were abducted by armed militants in Niger eight months ago have been released safely, following sustained efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Jharkhand government, the Indian Embassy and the employer company.

The released workers have been identified as Sanjay Mahto, Raju Mahto, Chandrika Mahto, Faljit Mahto and Uttam Mahto, all residents of Bagodar in Giridih district. They were working with Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL) in Niger when they were kidnapped in April 2025.

According to the Jharkhand government, the Jharkhand State Migrant Control Room (SMCR) has confirmed that all five workers are safe and in regular contact with officials. After medical examinations and completion of necessary formalities, arrangements are being made to bring them back to Jharkhand.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who intervened soon after the incident, had directed the SMCR to coordinate closely with KPTL, the Protector of Emigrants under the MEA and the Indian Embassy in Niamey to ensure the workers’ safe release and return.

The abduction took place on April 25, 2025, near a KPTL project site in Niger. Armed militants reportedly opened fire as Indian and local workers were returning after lunch. While attempting to escape in a company vehicle, several workers were intercepted by the attackers, who were moving in groups on motorcycles. The firing reportedly continued for nearly 30 minutes, after which five Jharkhand workers and one local resident went missing. Authorities later confirmed that the incident was part of a larger militant operation in which multiple local and foreign workers were taken hostage.

During the period of captivity, the Jharkhand government said it extended support to the workers’ families through the Giridih district administration. The families were covered under various welfare schemes, including ration cards, Ayushman Bharat health coverage, MGNREGA job cards, pensions, housing schemes, Ujjwala gas connections, Jal Jeevan Mission tap water connections and e-Shram registration. The employer company was also instructed to continue depositing the workers’ salaries into their bank accounts.

The kidnapping had caused concern among other Indian workers at the project site, with several seeking to return home due to security fears.

With the safe release of the five workers, the state government has expressed relief and reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests and safety of migrant workers employed abroad.