American Missionary Kevin Rideout Released After Nine Months in Niger Captivity

Kevin Rideout, an American pilot working for missionary organization SIM International, has regained his freedom following more than nine months held captive in Niger. SIM International confirmed the release in a statement, noting that Rideout is now in the custody of U.S. officials and remains in good health.

The North Carolina-based organization said Rideout was taken on October 21, 2025, from a location near his residence in Niamey, Niger’s capital. According to The Washington Post, the abduction site was situated just 150 feet from Niger’s presidential palace, underscoring the boldness of the operation.

Rideout will be reunited with his wife Krista and their children following his release. SIM International’s statement emphasized the family’s gratitude for worldwide prayer support and the backing provided by the organization’s community throughout the ordeal.

Authorities have not disclosed details about the group responsible for the kidnapping, though analysts have suggested a possible connection to regional Islamic extremist organizations. The abduction occurred amid a volatile security environment in Niger, where a military junta seized power in 2023 from the democratically elected government.

Since the coup, ISIS-affiliated Islamic State Sahel Province and al Qaeda-linked JNIM have substantially expanded their operations in the nation. The Global Terrorism Index reported that JNIM activity in Niger increased nearly fourteenfold in 2025, marking the organization’s deadliest year of operations in the country.