An American missionary, Kevin Rideout, has been released after more than nine months in captivity in Niger, his employer, SIM International, announced on Friday. Rideout, who was kidnapped outside his home in Niamey last October, is reportedly in good health and with US officials.
The New York Times, which first reported the release, cited unnamed US officials stating Rideout is now in FBI custody. Details regarding his release and who held him remain unclear.
Rideout's kidnapping was carried out by three armed men who took him to the western Tillaberi region, an area known for militant activity, Reuters reported, citing diplomatic sources. There were concerns he may have been taken by militants, possibly belonging to groups like Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate.
Islamist militant groups from neighbouring Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso have affected Niger for years, targeting civilians and the military. The US had warned its citizens against travel to Niger due to an increased risk of terrorism, crime, and civil unrest shortly after Rideout's kidnapping.
SIM International stated that Rideout will soon be reunited with his wife, children, and extended family. The organisation, which operates in over 70 countries, described his release as "incredibly good news" after months of uncertainty.