Source : Perth Now news
An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, his organisation says.
Kevin Rideout “is in good health in the care of US officials”, SIM International said on Friday.
He would soon be reunited with his extended family, the statement said.
Rideout was kidnapped in the West African country’s capital, Niamey, on October 21, 2025, 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-Qaeda and the Islamic State organisation.
The US 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 of 2026 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 centres in Africa’s Sahel region.
