American missionary kidnapped in Niger in October is freed, his organization says
Niamey, Niger — An American missionary who was kidnapped in the West African nation of Niger in October has been released, his organization said Friday.
Kevin Rideout "is in good health in the care of U.S. officials," the South Carolina-based SIM International said in a statement.
He "will soon be reunited with Krista, his children, and his extended family," the statement from the Christian group said. "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, and in particular for the deep level of prayer and support offered by our SIM family."
There was no initial word on what led to his release.
CBS News has reached out to the State Department, White House and Pentagon for comment.
SIM International said Rideout was abducted from outside his home. He was seized in Niger'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.
Multiple security sources told CBS News after the kidnapping that it took place only about 100 yards from the presidential palace in Niamey, where ousted President Mohamed Bazoum had been held since he was toppled by a coup in July 2023. The coup brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power, with his military junta vowing to restore security.
Niger has long faced attacks from armed groups including jihadis linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
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."
Under its military junta, Niger's leaders 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.
The New York Times, which first reported Rideout's release, said the 50-year-old had worked as a missionary in Niger for 19 years and was a pilot for SIM International.
The group describes itself as "an evangelical mission agency, working with churches around the world" with teams in more than 70 countries.
