American Missionary Freed After Nine Months in Captivity in Niger The release of American missionary Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped from Niger's capital city Niamey last October, brings an end to a nine month ordeal.
The circumstances surrounding his abduction and freedom are shrouded in mystery, but the incident is symptomatic of the escalating security challenges facing the region.
Niger has long been plagued by terrorist activity, with groups affiliated with al Qaida and Islamic State operating in the area.