American Missionary Released After Over Nine Months in Captivity

An American missionary who was taken while in Niger has been freed after spending more than nine months in captivity.

Kevin Rideout, 50, affiliated with SIM International, was abducted by armed men near his home in Niamey on October 21, 2025.

SIM International later announced that he is in good health and has now been safely reunited with U.S. officials.

“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ Kevin Rideout has been released after more than nine months in captivity,” stated SIM International.

“Krista and Kevin’s families are deeply grateful for the prayers offered on their behalf by people around the world during their time in incarceration, and especially for the deep level of prayer and support provided by our SIM family,” they added.

President Donald Trump extended his congratulations to Rideout upon his return to the United States, posting on Truth Social, “The United States of America looks forward to having you back.”

The precise details surrounding Rideout’s release remain somewhat unclear, but officials have shared some context regarding his detention in the U.S.

U.S. officials mentioned that his release was achieved through “other means,” rather than any military raid or rescue operation. They suggested that ongoing pressure on terrorist networks in the area played a significant role in securing his freedom.

A military operation against a high-ranking Islamic State leader in the broader Sahel region is believed to have been a factor in his captors deciding to let him go.

Both the U.S. State Department and U.S. Africa Command treated Rideout’s case as a top priority, coordinating efforts behind the scenes until he was safely transferred to U.S. custody.

As of now, no group has officially claimed responsibility for his abduction, and further details about the process of negotiation and the conditions of his release remain undisclosed.