American missionary kidnapped in Niger freed after 9 months in captivity
Summary
An American missionary named Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped in Niger in October, has been freed and is now in good health with US officials. Rideout was taken in Niger's capital, Niamey, by armed people, and no group said they were responsible.Key Facts
- Kevin Rideout was kidnapped on October 21 in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
- His organization, SIM International, confirmed he is now free and healthy.
- No group claimed responsibility for his kidnapping.
- Niger faces attacks from armed groups linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State.
- The US embassy in Niger warned Americans about the high risk of kidnappings.
- Niger is controlled by a military government that took power in 2023 and replaced US allies with a partnership with Russia.
- Niamey’s airport, a key military location, was attacked twice in 2024, killing over 30 people in one attack.
- Armed groups are increasingly attacking cities in Africa’s Sahel region, where Niger is located.
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