US missionary kidnapped in Niger is released after 9 months in captivity, his organization says
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, his organization said Friday.
Kevin Rideout “is in good health in the care of US officials,” SIM International said in a statement.
He will soon be reunited with his extended family, the statement added.
Rideout was kidnapped in the West African country’s capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21 by three armed individuals and was probably driven out of town, according to information provided by a security official at the time.
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.
The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert a day after Rideout’s kidnapping 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 United States, 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’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.