An American missionary kidnapped in Niger in October has been released, his organization SIM International announced.

Kevin Rideout "is in good health in the care of US officials" and will soon be reunited with his family, the statement said. He was abducted on October 21 in the capital Niamey by three armed individuals and was likely driven out of town, according to a security official at the time.

No armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction. Niger has long been a target of attacks by armed groups, including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State.

The US embassy in Niamey issued a security alert a day after the abduction, warning that American citizens "remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city."

Niger is ruled by a military junta that took power in 2023 after deposing democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The new authorities ousted Western partners, including the US, 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 serving as the ruling military's command, hosting its air force base and most of its drones and aircraft.

The violence is the latest sign of armed groups increasingly targeting cities and urban centers in Africa's Sahel region.

Source: www.theguardian.com