An American missionary kidnapped in Niger in October of last year has been released, according to an announcement by his organization today.
SIM International said in a statement that Kevin Rideout “is in good health and is being cared for by U.S. officials.” He will soon be reunited with his family, the organization added.
Rideout was abducted by three armed men in the capital Niamey on October 21 and was likely taken out of the city, according to a security official at the time. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
Niger has long faced attacks from armed groups, including jihadist militants linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State.
The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert one day after Rideout's abduction, warning that U.S. citizens “remain at a high risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including the capital.”
Niger is currently governed by a military junta that seized power in 2023 after ousting democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The new government expelled Western partners, including the U.S., which had troops in Niger, and forged new security and diplomatic alliances with Russia.
In June, more than 30 people were killed when gunmen attacked the main airport in Niamey. It was the second attack on the airport this year, a strategic hub that serves as the headquarters of the ruling military, hosting airbases and most drones and aircraft. It is also home to the regional alliance bringing together soldiers from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The incident is the latest sign that armed groups are increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa's Sahel region.
