US MISSIONARY REGAINS FREEDOM AFTER NINE MONTHS IN NIGER CAPTIVITY

An American Christian missionary, Kevin Rideout, has regained his freedom after spending more than nine months in captivity following his abduction in Niger.

According to reports, Rideout was kidnapped outside his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital, in October 2025 by three armed men who reportedly took him to the western Tillaberi region, an area known for militant activity.

SIM International confirmed his release in a statement on Friday, saying Rideout was “in good health in the care of US officials.”

The New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, reported that Rideout was in FBI custody, although details surrounding his release and the identity of his captors remained unclear.

There had been concerns that Rideout may have been abducted by militants, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda affiliate active in the region.

Rideout, who is also a pilot, had worked in Niger as a Christian missionary for 19 years and served as a pilot for SIM International, an organisation operating in more than 70 countries.

SIM International described his release as “incredibly good news” after months of uncertainty over his wellbeing.

The organisation said Rideout would soon be reunited with his wife, children and extended family.

“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,” the organisation said.

The family also requested privacy as they reconnect following his long period in captivity.

Rideout’s release comes amid continuing insecurity across Niger and other parts of the Sahel, where jihadist groups have carried out attacks and kidnappings targeting civilians and security forces.

Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria have faced persistent militant violence for more than a decade, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.