US missionary kidnapped in Niger released after nine months in captivity

American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after over nine months in captivity in Niger. Rideout, a pilot for the evangelical agency SIM International, was abducted in Niamey on October 21, 2025, by three armed men. He is reportedly in good health and in the care of U.S. officials, with plans to be reunited with his family. While details of his release are unclear, he was believed to have been held by al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in neighboring Mali. Niger and its neighbors have faced ongoing struggles with armed groups in the Sahel region.

American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after being held captive for over nine months in Niger. Rideout was kidnapped outside his home in the capital, Niamey, last October by three armed men and taken to the western Tillaberi region, known for militant activity. SIM International, the Christian organization he works for, confirmed his release and stated he is in good health and in the care of US officials. While details of his release and captors remain unclear, reports suggest he may have been held by militants linked to groups like Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin. Rideout is reportedly now in FBI custody.

American missionary Kevin Rideout has been freed after being held captive for nine months in Niger. He was kidnapped in the capital city of Niamey on October 21st by three armed individuals. Rideout is reportedly in good health and is under the care of U.S. officials, with plans for him to be reunited with his family soon. No armed group has claimed responsibility for his abduction. Niger has experienced ongoing attacks by armed groups, and the U.S. embassy had previously warned American citizens of a heightened risk of kidnapping in the country.

American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after being held captive in Niger for nine months. SIM International, his organization, confirmed his release on Friday, stating he is in good health and in the care of U.S. officials. Rideout was kidnapped on October 21st in Niamey by three armed individuals, with no armed group claiming responsibility. Niger faces ongoing threats from jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. The U.S. Embassy had previously warned of heightened kidnapping risks for American citizens in Niger. The country is currently governed by a military junta that took power in 2023 and has shifted its alliances towards Russia.