An American missionary who had been kidnapped in Niger was freed: he was held captive for nine months.

Kevin Rideout, an American missionary, has been released after being held captive in Niger for nine months. His liberation was confirmed on Friday by SIM International, the Christian organization for which he worked. Following his release, Rideout was placed under the custody of United States government officials. The incident concludes a nine-month period of captivity for the missionary in the West African nation.