US Missionary Released After 9‑Month Kidnap in Niger

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:46:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An American missionary has been freed after being held captive for over nine months in Niger's capital, following a string of militant abductions.

Kevin Rideout, a US missionary and pilot, was kidnapped outside his home in Niamey in October 2025. After nine months in captivity, he was released and transferred to US authorities. The Christian organization SIM International confirmed his good health and impending reunion with his family. The incident highlights ongoing militant threats in Niger’s Tillaberi region, a hub for al‑Qaeda‑affiliated groups.

US Missionary Released After 9‑Month Kidnap in Niger

Kevin Rideout held in Niger — Kevin Rideout was kidnapped outside his home in Niamey, Niger.

Kevin Rideout, a US missionary and pilot, was taken by armed men outside his house in Niamey last October and held for over nine months.

Sim International, the Christian organization that appointed him, confirmed his release recently, stating that he is now in good health and under the care of US officials.

Despite initial fears that militants such as Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM) had taken him, officials report he was transferred to US authorities, though details remain sparse.

Rideout’s freedom comes amid escalating militant activity in Niger’s Tillaberi region, an area known for jihadist incursions from neighbouring Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Following the kidnapping, the US warned its citizens of increased terrorism, crime, and civil unrest in Niger, and authorities have vowed to protect repatriated nationals.

Sim International expressed gratitude for the prayers received worldwide, and the family has requested privacy as they reunite after the ordeal.

This incident underscores a broader trend of rising kidnappings in the Sahel, sparking renewed calls for enhanced security cooperation across West Africa.