American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released from Niger following his abduction in October 2025.
“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity. He was kidnapped from outside his home in Niamey, Niger on the 21st of October, 2025,” Christian missionary organization SIM International declared. “Kevin is in good health in the care of US officials.”
Rideout is expected to be reunited with Krista, his children, and his 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, and in particular for the deep level of prayer and support offered by our SIM family,” the statement added.
The State Department acknowledged Rideout’s initial abduction. A Department spokesperson said they were “aware of reports of the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Niamey, Niger. Since we were alerted of the situation, our Embassy officials have been working with local authorities,” the Associated Press reported at the time. “It is a top priority for the Trump Administration to look after the safety of every American, and we are seeing efforts from across the U.S. government to support the recovery and safe return of this U.S. citizen.”
The Trump administration previously celebrated the release of other missionaries. One, Robert Vieira, was released from Tunisia after being suspected of espionage. Another missionary, Josh Sullivan, was rescued after being taken by armed men in the Eastern Cape Province.
