US Missionary Kidnapped in Niger Released After 9 Months in Captivity

An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, according to his organization, SIM International. Kevin Rideout, a missionary, was kidnapped in the West African country’s capital, Niamey, on October 21 by three armed individuals and was probably driven out of town, according to information provided by a security official at the time.

No armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction. Niger has long faced attacks from armed groups including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization.

Rideout was in good health in the care of US officials, according to a statement from SIM International. He will soon be reunited with his extended family. The organization expressed relief at Rideout’s release and thanked the US officials who helped facilitate his safe return.

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert 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 ruled by a military junta that took power in 2023 after deposing the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The new authorities ousted Western partners including the United States, which had soldiers in Niger, and forged a new security and diplomatic alliance with Russia.

In June, more than 30 people were killed when gunmen attacked the main airport in Niamey. It was the second attack this year at the airport, a strategic hub that serves as the ruling military’s command, hosting its air force base and most of its drones and aircraft. It’s also the headquarters of the regional alliance that brings together troops from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

The violence is the latest sign of armed groups increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa’s Sahel region. The region has seen a surge in violence in recent years, with many countries facing attacks from armed groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

The release of Kevin Rideout is a welcome development in a region that has seen many kidnappings and abductions. His release is a testament to the efforts of the US officials who worked tirelessly to secure his safe return.