An American Christian missionary, Kevin Rideout, has been released to U.S. officials after spending more than nine months in captivity in Niger.
Rideout’s organisation, Charlotte-based SIM International, confirmed his release on Friday, saying he was in good health and would soon be reunited with his family.
“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity,” SIM International Director Phil Bauman said in a statement.
“Kevin is in good health in the care of U.S. officials,” Bauman added.
Rideout was abducted on Oct. 21, 2025, outside his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital, by three unidentified men who reportedly fled towards the western Tillaberi region, an area where Islamist militant groups are active.
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Following the abduction, the U.S. Embassy in Niger tightened its security measures and warned of an increased risk of kidnapping across the country.
Reports indicate that Rideout is currently in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), although details surrounding his release, including how and when he was freed and the identities of his captors, have not been disclosed.
His release comes as Niger continues to face a severe security crisis, with militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State carrying out attacks and other violent activities along the country’s borders.
Rideout’s return ends more than nine months of uncertainty for his family and colleagues, who had awaited his safe release since his abduction.
