American missionary kidnapped in Niger freed after 9 months in captivity

An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, his organisation has said.Kevin Rideout “is in good health in the care of US officials” and would soon be reunited with his extended family, SIM International said in a statement.Rideout was kidnapped in the west African country’s capital, Niamey, on 21 October by three armed individuals and was probably driven out of town, according to a security official at the time. No armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction.Niger has long been the target of attacks by armed groups, including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State.The US embassy in Niamey issued a security alert a day after Rideout’s abduction, warning that American citizens “remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city”.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 US, which had soldiers in Niger, and forged a new security and diplomatic alliance with Russia.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 is 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 centres in Africa’s Sahel region.