US missionary kidnapped in Niger is released after 9 months in captivity, his organization says

On August 14, American missionary Kevin Rideout was released after being kidnapped in Niger in October, according to SIM International. The 9-month ordeal came to an end with Rideout now described as being in good health and under the care of US officials. He is set to be reunited with his extended family soon, the statement added.

Rideout was taken captive in Niamey, Niger's capital, on October 21 by three armed individuals, and he was likely driven out of the city, as per information from a security official at the time. Despite numerous attempts, no armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction.

Niger, located in West Africa, has faced ongoing threats from various armed groups, including those linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization. The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert just a day after Rideout's kidnapping, warning that American citizens "remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city."

Niger is currently governed by a military junta that seized power in 2023 following the ousting of the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The new authorities have severed ties with Western partners, including the United States, which had previously deployed soldiers in Niger. The nation has now forged a security and diplomatic alliance with Russia instead.