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

An American missionary, Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped in Niger in October, has been released after nine months in captivity, his organization announced on Friday. SIM International, the Evangelical mission organization that Rideout was affiliated with, stated that he is in good health and is under the care of U.S. officials. He is set to be reunited with his extended family soon.

Rideout was abducted in the capital city of Niamey on October 21 by three armed individuals. It is believed that he was later driven out of the city. No specific armed group has claimed responsibility for his abduction. Niger has been grappling with attacks from various armed groups, including those linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert the day following Rideout's kidnapping, warning that U.S. citizens remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger. This included the capital city. Niger is currently governed by a military junta that took power in 2023 following the ousting of the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.

The new authorities have broken ties with Western partners, including the United States, which had previously maintained a military presence in Niger. Instead, they have forged a new security and diplomatic alliance with Russia.

In June, a deadly attack occurred at the main airport in Niamey, killing over 30 people. This was the second attack on the airport this year, a strategic hub that serves as the ruling military's command center, housing its air force base and a significant portion of its drones and aircraft. The violence is a clear indication that armed groups are increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa's Sahel region.