US missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivity

American Christian missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after being held captive in Niger for more than nine months, his organization SIM International announced. Kidnapped in October 2025 from his home in Niamey, the capital of Niger, Rideout was reportedly taken to the western Tillaberi region, an area known for militant activity.

SIM International stated that Rideout is in good health and under the care of US officials. The details of his release, including who held him and how he was freed, remain unclear. Rideout, a pilot who had worked in Niger for 19 years, was described by SIM as "incredibly good news" and his family expressed gratitude for the prayers offered during his captivity.

The release of Rideout comes amid ongoing insecurity in Niger and other parts of the Sahel, where jihadist groups have been involved in numerous attacks and kidnappings.

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