The Africa Corps, the successor to Russia's Wagner Group in the Sahel, announced on April 22, 2026, that it had freed two hostages held by the al-Qaeda-linked militant group JNIM (Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin). The operation reportedly took place in central Mali.
According to a statement from the Africa Corps, the freed hostages are a Russian national and a Ukrainian national. The group stated the operation was conducted in coordination with Malian authorities. The condition of the two individuals and the circumstances of their initial capture were not immediately detailed.
The Africa Corps has become a significant security partner for Mali's military junta following the withdrawal of French and UN forces. The group is involved in counter-insurgency operations against jihadist groups that have been active in the region for over a decade.
JNIM, which operates across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, is known for kidnappings for ransom and political leverage. The group has previously targeted both local and foreign nationals. The Malian government has not issued an independent confirmation of the hostage release as of April 23, 2026.
