An American missionary, Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped in Niger in October, has been released, his organisation SIM International announced. Rideout is reportedly in good health and is currently in the care of US officials, with plans for him to be reunited with his extended family soon.
Rideout was abducted in Niamey, the capital of the west African country, on 21 October by three armed individuals. At the time, a security official suggested he was likely driven out of the city. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
Niger has experienced ongoing attacks from armed groups, including those linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State. The US embassy in Niamey issued a security alert following Rideout's abduction, warning American citizens of a heightened risk of kidnapping across Niger, including in the capital.
The country is currently under military rule, following a 2023 coup that deposed the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The new authorities have reportedly ousted Western partners, including the US, and have formed new security and diplomatic alliances with Russia.