Algeria Secures Release of German National Abducted in Niger, Reaffirms Anti-Ransom and Regional Security Policy
Sinan Ulumaskan, who was abducted in Niger and held for about two weeks by an armed criminal group, was transferred to German authorities following an Algerian operation that Foreign Ministry officials said reflected the country’s established role in mediation and hostage-release efforts.
By Dr. Hana Saada
Published: August 10, 2026
ALGIERS — Algeria on Monday formally handed German national Sinan Ulumaskan over to the authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany, following his release after being abducted and held for around two weeks by an armed criminal group in Niger.
The handover took place at the headquarters of Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Ulumaskan was received by Georg Felsheim, Germany’s ambassador to Algeria, under the supervision of Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Lounas Magramane.
Magramane said the German national had been taken into the custody of security services under the Ministry of National Defence after his abduction in Niger. His release, he said, was the result of efforts by several Algerian state institutions, particularly the security services of the Ministry of National Defence, to secure his liberation and transfer him safely to Algeria.
Ulumaskan was transported from the secondary deployment base at In Guezzam in Algeria’s 6th Military Region to Boufarik Air Base under conditions described by the Algerian authorities as safe. Following his arrival, Algerian officials checked on his health and kept German authorities informed throughout the different stages of the operation until his return to his country and family.
Algeria reiterates its policy on hostage-taking and ransom
Magramane expressed his appreciation to the Algerian institutions involved in the operation, describing it as part of a broader record of Algerian efforts to secure the release of hostages.
He said the operation reflected what he described as Algeria’s established role in mediation, dialogue and consultation, as well as its humanitarian commitment to protecting human life and preserving the dignity of individuals regardless of their nationality or location.
The Foreign Ministry official also reaffirmed Algeria’s opposition to violent extremism, criminal and terrorist activities and hostage-taking, stressing that Algeria rejects the payment of ransoms. He noted that Algeria has actively contributed to international efforts to criminalise ransom payments.
Regional security remains an Algerian priority
Magramane further underlined that the security and stability of neighbouring countries remain a strategic priority for Algeria.
“What harms neighbouring countries inevitably affects Algeria,” he said, stressing that the security and stability of brotherly and friendly states would remain part of Algeria’s political and diplomatic priorities, in line with the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The handover concludes the Algerian phase of the operation, with the German national now returned to the custody of his country’s authorities following his release and safe transfer from Niger through Algeria.
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