US missionary Kevin Rideout released after nine months in Niger captivity
American Christian missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after being held captive for over nine months in Niger, according to his organization, SIM International. Rideout was abducted in October 2025 by three armed men outside his home in Niamey, Niger's capital, and reportedly taken to the Tillaberi region, an area known for militant activity. SIM International stated that Rideout is "in good health in the care of US officials." The New York Times, which first reported his release, cited unnamed US officials indicating he was in FBI custody. Details regarding his release and his captors remain unclear, though there were concerns he might have been abducted by groups like Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda affiliate. Rideout, a pilot, had worked as a Christian missionary in Niger for 19 years, serving SIM International, which operates in over 70 countries. His release was described by SIM International as "incredibly good news" and he is expected to be reunited with his family. The family has requested privacy. His release occurs amidst ongoing insecurity in Niger and the Sahel region, where jihadist groups conduct attacks and kidnappings, and several countries have experienced military coups.
