American Missionary Freed After Nine Months in Niger
American Missionary Freed After Nine Months in Niger
The News
Released to U.S. officials
Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot kidnapped in Niger last October, has been released after nine months in captivity, his mission organization said Friday.
SIM International announced Rideout "is in good health in the care of U.S. officials," according to the Washington Examiner. The Los Angeles Times reported he was taken in Niger in October and freed Friday.
Reuters reported he is in U.S. custody and set to be reunited with his family. NTD reported he will soon rejoin his relatives.
Reactions
Trump takes credit
President Trump confirmed the release, The Hill reported, celebrating the return of the missionary kidnapped in West Africa.
"Glad to have helped!" Trump said, per WND, which also quoted him telling Rideout: "Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you home."
More
The Washington Examiner reported Trump secured Rideout's freedom from a terrorist group operating in Niger. Neither the White House nor SIM International has disclosed how the release was obtained, and no party has said whether any payment or exchange was involved.
What's still unknown
No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, The Independent reported.
Niger remains high-risk territory for Americans. The U.S. Embassy warned after Rideout's abduction that Americans face heightened kidnapping risk across the country, including in the capital, Niamey. The country's ruling junta expelled U.S. troops in 2023.
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