American Missionary released after nearly 10 months

Christian Missionary Released

An American Christian missionary kidnapped outside his home in Niger in West Africa has been released after more than nine months in captivity and is now in the care of U.S. officials, his mission organization announced Friday.

Kevin Rideout, a longtime missionary and pilot with SIM International, was abducted in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21, 2025. SIM said Rideout is in good health and will soon be reunited with his wife, Krista, their children and extended family.

“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released,” SIM International said in its announcement.

The organization credited people around the world who prayed for the family throughout the ordeal and asked the public to respect their privacy as they reconnect after months apart.

The release closes a harrowing chapter for a family that had spent nearly 10 months waiting for news while U.S. officials tried to locate Rideout in one of the world’s most dangerous regions.

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