US missionary released following kidnap in Niger
Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped outside his home in Niger's capital last October, has been released and is now with US officials, a Christian group says.
US missionary Kevin Rideout has been released more than nine months after he was kidnapped outside his home in Niger's capital, Niamey, last October. A Christian aid group representing Rideout said he is now with US officials and being assessed for his health.
The kidnapping had reignited concerns over rising activity by armed groups and attacks on foreign nationals in Niger in recent years. Officials have not shared detailed information about the circumstances that led to the release.
The US State Department said it is closely tracking the safety of American citizens in the region. Aid organisations operating in the area are reassessing whether to keep staff in Niger given the heightened security risks.
Read next
Israel strikes south Lebanon again as families flee north
Israeli airstrikes hit the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon just hours after the deadliest day of Israeli raids, as families in the region flee their homes and head north.
Graphs show why the DR Congo Ebola outbreak could be the worst in history
North Korea's Kim tells Putin he is proud of strong ties, state media reports
At least 47 dead in eastern Indonesia earthquake of magnitude 7.7
