Kevin Rideout, an American missionary and pilot for SIM International, was kidnapped near his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on October 21, 2025, by three armed men, according to multiple sources [1, 2, 3, 4]. The US embassy promptly issued a security alert the following day warning Americans about a heightened risk of kidnappings across Niger, including the capital [1, 2].
Rideout was held captive for over nine months before his release in August 2026. He is now reportedly in good health and under the care of US officials, believed to be FBI custody [1, 2, 3, 4]. SIM International confirmed his release, saying, “We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity” and that he would soon reunite with family [2, 4]. His wife Krista and family expressed profound gratitude for global prayers during his ordeal [1].
Details surrounding who held Rideout remain unclear. Some reports indicate he was held at times in Niger’s Tillaberi region or in neighboring Mali by jihadist groups linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate operating in the area [1, 3, 4]. However, other sources note that no armed group publicly claimed responsibility, only that Niger faces threats from jihadists associated with both al-Qaeda and ISIS [2].
Niger has suffered a surge in violence since a military coup in 2023 ousted the elected government and led to the expulsion of Western military forces, including those from France and the US [2, 3, 4]. The military junta has since strengthened ties with Russia while jihadist groups like JNIM and ISIS-affiliated factions intensified attacks across the country [1, 2, 3, 4].
Today’s release marks a significant moment after months of uncertainty over Rideout’s fate. The US government and SIM International have not disclosed further details about negotiations or conditions of release. Rideout is expected to reunite with his wife Krista, children, and extended family in the near future [1, 2, 3, 4].
