American missionary freed after nine months in Niger

An American Christian missionary, Kevin Rideout, is free after being held for over nine months in Niger. His organization, SIM International, confirmed his release.

According to BBC on Friday, Rideout was kidnapped outside his home in Niger’s capital, Niamey, in October 2025. Three armed men reportedly took him to the Tillaberi region, which is known for militant activities.

SIM International stated on Friday that Rideout was “in good health in the care of US officials.” The New York Times, which first reported his release, mentioned unnamed US officials saying he was in FBI custody. But, details about his release and who held him are still unclear.

There were worries that militants, including members of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda group active in the area, may have taken Rideout. Reuters, citing diplomatic sources, reported that three armed men transported Rideout to Tillaberi after his kidnapping.

The US government had warned its citizens against traveling to Niger soon after the kidnapping. They cited a rise in terrorism, crime, and civil unrest in the region.

Rideout, who is also a pilot, had worked in Niger as a Christian missionary for 19 years. He served as a pilot for SIM International, which operates in over 70 countries.

SIM International called his release “incredibly good news” after months of worry about his wellbeing. The organization noted that Rideout would soon be with his wife, children, and extended family.

“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,” the organization said. They added that the family asked for privacy as they “reconnect after this time apart.”

Rideout’s release happens during a time of ongoing insecurity in Niger and the surrounding Sahel region. Jihadist groups have been attacking and kidnapping civilians and security forces.

Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria have faced ongoing militant violence for over a decade. This has led to thousands of deaths and widespread displacement in these countries.

The area has also seen a series of military coups, with elected governments being overthrown in several nations.