An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, his organization SIM International announced Friday. Kevin Rideout is reportedly in good health and under the care of U.S. officials.
Rideout was abducted in the capital city of Niamey on October 21 by three armed individuals. At the time of his kidnapping, security officials indicated he was likely taken out of the city. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
Niger has experienced ongoing attacks from militant groups, including those affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization. The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert the day after Rideout's kidnapping, warning American citizens of a heightened risk of abduction throughout the country, including in the capital.
The West African nation is currently governed by a military junta that seized power in 2023, deposing the democratically elected president. Following the coup, the new authorities ended security and diplomatic ties with Western partners, including the United States, and established an alliance with Russia. In June, gunmen attacked the main airport in Niamey, resulting in over 30 fatalities. This incident marked the second attack on the airport this year. The airport serves as a crucial hub for the military junta, housing its air force base and significant drone and aircraft operations. It also functions as the headquarters for a regional alliance comprising troops from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The recent violence underscores a trend of armed groups increasingly targeting urban centers within Africa's Sahel region.