US missionary released following kidnap in Niger, Christian group says

What the report says

American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after being held for more than nine months following his kidnapping in Niger’s capital, Niamey, BBC World News reported, citing the Christian aid group SIM International. The organization said Rideout was in good health and now under the care of U.S. officials. The report said the circumstances of his release were not immediately clear, and it was not confirmed who held him or how he was freed.

Rideout was abducted outside his home in October by three armed men and taken toward Niger’s western Tillaberi region, an area associated with militant violence. BBC World News noted that there had been concern he may have been taken by extremist groups active in the Sahel, including JNIM, though that has not been confirmed. U.S. authorities had earlier warned citizens about travel to Niger because of terrorism, crime and unrest.

SIM International said Rideout had worked in Niger for 19 years as a Christian missionary and pilot. The group said his family was grateful for public support during his captivity and asked for privacy as they reunite. His release comes against the backdrop of long-running insecurity in Niger and neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, where armed groups have carried out attacks and kidnappings for years.