American Christian missionary Kevin Rideout has regained his freedom after spending more than nine months in captivity following his abduction in Niger, his organisation, SIM International, has confirmed.
Rideout was kidnapped in October 2025 by three armed men outside his residence in Niamey, the Nigerien capital. He was reportedly taken to the Tillaberi region in western Niger, an area that has witnessed frequent attacks by armed groups.
SIM International said in a statement on Friday that Rideout was in good health and currently under the care of US officials.
The New York Times, which first reported his release, quoted unnamed American officials as saying the missionary was in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, details surrounding his release, including the identity of his captors, have not been made public.
There had been fears that Rideout might have been held by jihadist groups operating in the region, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda-linked organisation.
Rideout, a trained pilot, had spent 19 years working as a Christian missionary in Niger and also served as a pilot for SIM International, a Christian organisation operating in more than 70 countries.
Following his abduction, the United States warned its citizens against travelling to Niger, citing heightened risks of terrorism, crime and civil unrest.
SIM International described Rideout’s release as “incredibly good news” after months of uncertainty over his safety and whereabouts.
The organisation said he would soon be reunited with his wife, children and other members of his family.
According to SIM International, Rideout’s family expressed appreciation for the prayers and support they received from people around the world throughout his captivity.
The family also requested privacy as they begin the process of reconnecting after his prolonged absence.
His release comes amid persistent insecurity across Niger and the wider Sahel region, where militant groups continue to carry out attacks and kidnappings.
Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and parts of Nigeria have battled jihadist violence for more than a decade, with the conflict causing thousands of deaths and forcing millions of people from their homes.
