Armed men have kidnapped James Boyard, a senior security official serving dual roles in Haiti's government, according to multiple reports from the violence-plagued Caribbean nation.

Boyard holds the position of cabinet director of the Defense Ministry and also serves as inspector general of Haiti's National Police, making him one of the country's most prominent security figures.

The abduction occurred in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, though specific details about the circumstances of the kidnapping have not been released. The incident represents a significant escalation in the targeting of high-level government officials in the country.

According to reports, Boyard's kidnapping marks the highest-ranking abduction in Haiti in recent years, highlighting the deteriorating security situation that has gripped the nation. The country has been experiencing widespread violence and instability, with armed gangs increasingly controlling large portions of territory.

Haiti's security forces and government institutions have been under severe strain as they attempt to maintain order amid the ongoing crisis. The kidnapping of such a senior official underscores the challenges facing the country's leadership in addressing the security breakdown.

No information has been released regarding the identity of the kidnappers, their demands, or Boyard's current condition.