American Missionary Kevin Rideout Freed in Niger After Nine-Month Abduction
American missionary Kevin Rideout, kidnapped in Niger last October, has been released, his organization, SIM International, announced on Friday. Rideout is reported to be in good health and is currently under the care of U.S. officials, with plans for him to be reunited with his wife, Krista, and their children soon. President Trump confirmed Rideout's return to U.S. custody via a post on Truth Social, stating that Rideout was 'kidnapped by Jihadi terrorists in West Africa' and expressing his satisfaction in having helped. Rideout was abducted from outside his home in Niamey, Niger's capital, on October 21 by three armed individuals, approximately 100 yards from the presidential palace. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction. Niger is governed by a military junta that took power in 2023, which has since ousted Western partners, including the United States, and forged a new security and diplomatic alliance with Russia. The country continues to face attacks from armed groups linked to al...