Haiti.-The inspector general of the Haitian National Police and chief of staff of the Ministry of Defense, James Boyard, was kidnapped by armed men in Port-au-Prince, in an event that reflects the growing power of the gangs that keep much of the country in check.
The information was confirmed by a source linked to the case, who requested to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the investigation. Boyard thus becomes one of the highest-ranking officials kidnapped in Haiti in recent years.
According to Haitian media reports, the kidnapping occurred last Thursday in Bourdon, one of the areas of the capital that until recently was considered relatively safe. However, the expansion of criminal groups has caused even traditionally protected sectors to be affected by the violence.
In addition to his career as a political scientist and security expert, Boyard played a key role in efforts to strengthen the country’s defense institutions, including the reconstruction of the Armed Forces and the modernization of the National Police.
We recommend reading:Haiti returns to the World Cup and sparks a national celebration
More Read
Security specialists believe that the operation could have been carefully planned. Diego Da Rin, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, pointed out that an action of this nature against an official with an extensive protection scheme suggests a high level of organization and even possible information leaks.
Haitian authorities have not identified those responsible nor have they reported any potential ransom demands. However, experts warn that criminal gangs have increased kidnappings targeting public officials and dual citizens, seeking to obtain greater economic benefits and increase their leverage over the State.
The situation occurs at a time when the National Police is intensifying operations against armed groups in sectors such as Villa de Dios, territory controlled by the 5 Segundos gang, led by Johnson André, alias “Izo”, one of the most influential criminal leaders in the country.
More Read
United Nations data reveal that between December 2025 and February 2026, at least 267 people were kidnapped in Haiti. Although cases decreased during 2025 compared to the previous year, the kidnapping of such a high-profile figure shows that the security crisis continues to be one of the main challenges for the Caribbean nation.
