American Missionary Kevin Rideout Freed After Nine Months

Kevin Rideout, an American Christian missionary and pilot, regained his freedom after spending over nine months in captivity in Niger. He was abducted outside his home in Niamey in October 2025 by three armed men and taken to the Tillaberi region, known for militant activity.

His organization, SIM International, announced his release, stating he was in good health and under the care of US officials, specifically in FBI custody. The circumstances surrounding his release remain unclear, but there were concerns he may have been held by militants, including members of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda affiliate.

Following his release, SIM International expressed gratitude for the prayers offered for Rideout and noted that he would soon reunite with his wife and children. The family has requested privacy during this time.

Rideout had worked in Niger for 19 years, and his release comes amid ongoing insecurity in the Sahel region, where jihadist groups have been active.