American missionary Kevin Rideout has regained his freedom after more than nine months in captivity in Niger, ending a prolonged ordeal that began with his abduction outside his home in the capital, Niamey, in October 2025.
Rideout’s organisation, SIM International, confirmed his release on Friday, saying the missionary was in good health and receiving care from United States officials.
The New York Times, which first reported the development, cited unnamed US officials as saying Rideout was in FBI custody. The circumstances surrounding his release, including the identity of his captors and how the operation was secured, were not immediately disclosed.
SIM International described the development as “incredibly good news” after months of uncertainty over Rideout’s safety and wellbeing.
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The organisation also said Rideout would soon be reunited with his wife, children and extended family. His family has asked for privacy as they adjust to his return after the lengthy separation.
“Krista and the rest of Kevin’s family are profoundly grateful for the prayers offered on their behalf by people around the world throughout his captivity,” SIM International said.
Rideout, a Christian missionary and pilot, had spent 19 years working in Niger. He also served as a pilot for SIM International, a Christian organisation operating in more than 70 countries.
Abduction triggered security concerns
Three armed men reportedly seized Rideout near his residence in Niamey in October last year before taking him towards the western Tillaberi region, according to reports by the BBC and Reuters.
Tillaberi has been affected by militant activity, raising concerns that jihadist groups may have been responsible for the abduction.
There were fears that Rideout could have fallen into the hands of Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin, an al Qaeda linked militant organisation active across parts of the Sahel. However, the available reports have not established the identity of the group or individuals responsible for holding him.
Following the kidnapping, the United States warned its citizens against travelling to Niger, citing heightened risks linked to terrorism, crime and civil unrest.
Rideout’s release comes against the backdrop of persistent insecurity across the Sahel, where militant organisations have carried out attacks and abductions against civilians and security personnel.
Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria have all faced prolonged militant violence, with the insecurity contributing to deaths and large scale displacement across the region.
The security situation has also coincided with political upheaval in several Sahelian countries, including a succession of military coups that removed elected governments from power.
For Rideout and his family, however, the immediate significance of Friday’s announcement is personal: after more than nine months apart, the missionary is now free and expected to return to those who have spent months waiting for his release.
