US missionary kidnapped in Niger is released after nine months in captivity

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An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger last year was released, his organization announced on Friday.

Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped in the West African country’s capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21 by three armed individuals, will soon be reunited with his family.

Rideout “is in good health in the care of U.S. officials,” SIM International said in a statement.

A day after his kidnapping, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert warning that American citizens “remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.”

No armed group has yet claimed responsibility for Rideout’s abduction.

“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity,” SIM International Director Phil Bauman told CNN in a statement.

A military junta has governed Niger since seizing power in 2023 by deposing democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

The country’s new leadership subsequently expelled Western allies, including the United States, which had stationed soldiers there, while establishing a fresh security and diplomatic alignment with Russia.

Niger has long faced attacks from armed groups including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization.

More than 30 people were killed in June when gunmen attacked the main airport in Niamey. It was the second attack this year at the airport, a strategic hub that serves as the ruling military’s command, hosting its air force base and most of its drones and aircraft.

It’s also the headquarters of the regional alliance that brings together troops from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

The violence is the latest sign of armed groups increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa’s Sahel region.