Kevin Rideout, a Christian missionary pilot who was kidnapped in Niger, has been released (Image: RepMarkHarrisNC/X)
An American missionary kidnapped in Niger last year has been released, according to an announcement by his organization on Friday.
Kevin Rideout was kidnapped in the West African country’s capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21 last year by three armed individuals. He will soon be reunited with his family.
Rideout “is in good health in the care of U.S. officials,” SIM International said in a statement. A day after Rideout’s kidnapping, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey warned American citizens to “remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.”
Demosnstrators gather to protest the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the Presidential Guard (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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.
“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity,” SIM International Director Phil Bauman said in a statement.
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.
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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.
