An American missionary has been released after spending more than nine months in captivity following his abduction in Niger, the international Christian organisation he worked for has confirmed.
Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped outside his home in Niger’s capital, Niamey, last year, is “in good health in the care of US officials”, SIM International said in a statement on Friday.
The New York Times, which first reported Rideout’s release, cited unnamed US officials as saying he was in FBI custody. However, details surrounding how he was freed and the identity of those who held him remain unclear.
There had been concerns that Rideout was abducted by militants, who have increasingly relied on violence and kidnappings as tactics in Niger and across the wider Sahel region.
According to Reuters, citing diplomatic sources, Rideout was kidnapped in October by three armed men who took him to the western Tillaberi region, an area regarded as a stronghold of militant activity.
It was feared that he may have been taken by militants linked to groups such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate that has been linked to several attacks across the region.
Islamist militant groups operating from neighbouring Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso have plagued Niger for years, carrying out attacks against civilians and security forces.
The region has experienced a sustained wave of violence as jihadist groups battle government forces as well as Western and other allied troops.
Days after Rideout’s abduction, the US warned its citizens against travelling to Niger, citing an “increased risk of terrorism, crime and civil unrest”.
The New York Times reported that Rideout, who is also a pilot, may have been transferred to another group before his release.
SIM International said he would soon be reunited with his wife, children and extended family.
Rideout had worked in Niger as a Christian missionary for 19 years and also served as a pilot for SIM International, which operates in more than 70 countries.
The organisation described his release as “incredibly good news” following months of uncertainty over his safety and wellbeing.
“Krista and the rest of Kevin’s family are profoundly grateful for the prayers offered on their behalf by people around the world throughout his captivity,” the organisation said.
It added that the family had requested privacy as they “reconnect after this time apart”.
Rideout’s release comes amid continued insecurity across West Africa and the Sahel, where several countries have faced persistent terror attacks.
Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria have battled Islamist violence for more than a decade, with the conflict claiming thousands of lives and contributing to widespread regional instability.
The region has also experienced a series of military takeovers in recent years, with several democratically elected governments being overthrown.
