U.S. missionary kidnapped in Niger is released after 9 months in captivity, his organization says

An American missionary, Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, his organization said.

NIAMEY, Niger — An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, his organization said Friday.

Kevin Rideout “is in good health in the care of US officials,” SIM International said in a statement.

He will soon be reunited with his extended family, the statement added.

Rideout was kidnapped in the West African country’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.