American Missionary Kevin Rideout has been freed after nine months in Niger captivity.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that American Christian missionary and pilot Kevin Rideout has regained his freedom after spending more than nine months in captivity in Niger.
SIM International, the missionary organisation with which Rideout serves, confirmed his release in a statement issued on Friday, August 14, 2026.
“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity,” the organisation said.
SIM added that Rideout was in good health and in the care of United States officials.
The missionary was abducted by three armed men outside his home in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on October 21, 2025. Security sources said he was likely taken out of the city following the kidnapping.
Diplomatic sources cited by Reuters previously indicated that his abductors transported him to the western Tillabéri region, an area affected by militant violence.
No organisation has claimed responsibility for the abduction, while the identities of those who held him remain unknown.
There had been speculation that militants operating in the Sahel could have been responsible. Armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have carried out attacks and kidnappings across Niger and neighbouring countries.
Reports citing unnamed US officials said Rideout was travelling under the protection of Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel. However, neither the circumstances of his release nor the identity of his captors had been disclosed at the time of filing this report.
Rideout had worked in Niger for approximately 19 years as a Christian missionary. He also served as a pilot for SIM International, an evangelical missionary organisation operating in more than 70 countries.
SIM described his release as “incredibly good news” and said he would soon be reunited with his wife, Krista, their children and other relatives.
“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, and in particular for the deep level of prayer and support offered by our SIM family,” the organisation said.
The family requested privacy while its members reconnect after the prolonged separation.
The official statement from SIM International did not provide further details about the negotiations or operation that led to Rideout’s freedom.
His release comes amid continuing insecurity in Niger and the wider Sahel, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted civilians and security forces.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have experienced sustained militant violence alongside military coups that displaced their elected governments and reshaped the region’s security partnerships.
