US missionary freed after nine months in captivity in Niger

American Christian missionary Kevin Rideout has regained his freedom after more than nine months in captivity following his abduction in Niger, his organisation, SIM International, has confirmed.

Rideout was kidnapped outside his residence in Niger’s capital, Niamey, in October 2025 by three armed men who reportedly took him to the western Tillaberi region, an area plagued by jihadist activity.

SIM International said in a statement on Friday that Rideout was in good health and currently in the care of US officials.

The New York Times, which first reported his release, cited US officials as saying the missionary was in FBI custody. However, details surrounding his release, including the identity of his captors and how the operation was secured, have not been disclosed.

Rideout’s abduction had raised concerns that he may have fallen into the hands of militant groups operating in the region, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda affiliate with a strong presence across parts of the Sahel.

Reuters, citing diplomatic sources, also reported that three armed men transported Rideout to Tillaberi after abducting him.

The United States subsequently warned its citizens against travelling to Niger, citing heightened risks from terrorism, crime and civil unrest.

Rideout, a pilot and missionary, had spent 19 years working in Niger and served as a pilot with SIM International, a Christian mission organisation operating in more than 70 countries.

Confirming his release, SIM International described the development as “incredibly good news” after months of uncertainty over his safety.

The organisation said Rideout would soon reunite with his wife, children and extended family.

“Krista and the rest of Kevin’s family are profoundly grateful for the prayers offered on their behalf by people around the world throughout his captivity,” the organisation said.

The family, it added, had requested privacy as they readjust to life together after his prolonged absence.

Rideout’s release comes as Niger and other countries in the Sahel continue to grapple with persistent attacks and kidnappings by jihadist groups.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have experienced sustained militant violence for more than a decade, while parts of northern Nigeria have also faced attacks by armed and extremist groups.

The insecurity has killed thousands, displaced millions and contributed to a broader political crisis in the region, including military takeovers in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.