American missionary kidnapped in Niger freed after nine months
American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after being held captive in Niger for nine months. While the circumstances of his abduction and release remain largely undisclosed, US officials confirmed he is in good health.
Why it matters
The release underscores the volatile security situation in the Sahel region and the ongoing challenges regarding the safety of foreign aid workers in areas with active militant groups.
Soldiers on patrol in Niamey. Kevin Rideout was kidnapped in Niger’s capital and no armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction./Getty Images Soldiers on patrol in Niamey. Kevin Rideout was kidnapped in Niger’s capital and no armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction./Getty Images Niger American missionary kidnapped in Niger freed after nine months Kevin Rideout, who was abducted by unknown assailants in Niamey, said to be in good health and in care of US officials
Prefer the Guardian on Google An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, his organisation has said.
Serving in Mission International said Kevin Rideout “is in good health in the care of US officials” and would soon be reunited with his extended family.
Donald Trump , who claimed to have helped secure Rideout’s release, later said he was “back in United States Custody” on Friday.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in