American missionary Kevin Rideout released after 9 months in captivity in Niger

American missionary Kevin Rideout was released from nine months of captivity in Niger on Friday, his organization announced. Rideout, an evangelical mission worker, was kidnapped on October 21st outside his home in Niamey, Niger. He is now in good health under the care of US officials. SIM International, the evangelical mission agency he works with, expressed gratitude for the prayers and support received during his ordeal and the reunion with his family.

President Donald Trump celebrated Rideout's return on social media, criticizing the terrorists responsible and praising the United States for its efforts to combat Islamist terrorism in West Africa. No group claimed responsibility for the abduction, and the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert following the incident, warning American citizens of the heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger.