Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot, has been released after being kidnapped in Niger last October. SIM International stated that Rideout is in good health and currently in the care of US officials. He is expected to be reunited with his extended family soon.
Rideout was abducted from his home in Niamey, the country's capital, on October 21 by three armed individuals. According to information provided by a security official at the time, he was probably driven out of town. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
The abduction occurred amid heightened security risks in Niger, which has long faced attacks from jihadist groups linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaida. Following the kidnapping, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert warning American citizens that they remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.
Niger is currently 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, and forged a new security and diplomatic alliance with Russia.