Release of American Missionary in Niger

SIM International, a Christian missionary organization, has announced that Kevin Rideout, an American missionary who was abducted in Niger, has been freed after over nine months in captivity.

In a statement, the group expressed gratitude, confirming, “We are thankful to share that our dear friend and brother in Christ Kevin Rideout is safe after more than nine months in detention.”

Rideout was taken on October 21, 2025, close to his residence in Niamey, the capital of Niger.

He is currently with U.S. authorities, reportedly in good health.

Rideout, who served as a pilot for SIM based in North Carolina, will soon return home to his wife and children. “He will be reunited with Krista, his kids, and extended family,” said SIM International.

The families of Krista and Kevin have expressed deep gratitude for the global support and prayers they received during this difficult time.

According to reports, Rideout was kidnapped just a short distance from Niger’s presidential palace. Analysts speculate that this abduction may have connections to a regional Islamic terrorist group.

Niger has become increasingly susceptible to Islamic terrorism after a military coup in 2023 led to the ousting of a democratically elected government. The military’s actions included the expulsion of French and American troops, which has led to a significant reduction in Western military presence in the country.

The influence of terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda has surged in recent years, with the Global Terrorism Index highlighting that incidents linked to JNIM (a group affiliated with al-Qaeda) have grown dramatically in Niger, contributing to a record number of attacks and fatalities.

Efforts to secure more information from SIM International, the White House, and the State Department are ongoing.