An American missionary who was abducted in Niger's capital last October has been freed, according to his organization. Kevin Rideout, a 50-year-old pilot who has worked in the West African nation for 19 years, is currently in good health and under the care of United States officials.
The South Carolina-based evangelical mission agency SIM International announced the release on Friday. The organization stated that Rideout will soon be reunited with his wife, Krista, his children, and his extended family. His family expressed deep gratitude for the global prayers and support they received during his captivity, particularly from the SIM community, which operates in more than 70 countries.
While the circumstances leading to Rideout's release remain unclear, his abduction occurred on October 21 outside his home in Niamey. At the time, a security official reported that three armed individuals seized Rideout and likely drove him out of the capital. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
The abduction took place approximately 100 yards from the presidential palace. This is the location where Niger's ousted President, Mohamed Bazoum, has been held since being overthrown in a July 2023 coup. That military takeover brought General Abdourahamane Tiani and his junta to power with a promise to restore security.
However, Niger continues to struggle with violence from armed groups, including militants linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. Following Rideout's abduction, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security warning, noting that American citizens face a heightened risk of kidnapping across the country, including within the capital.
Under the current military junta, Niger has distanced itself from Western allies. The ruling generals expelled U.S. military forces and other Western partners in favor of a new diplomatic and security alliance with Russia.
Security in the capital remains volatile. In June, gunmen launched an attack on Niamey's main airport, killing more than 30 people. The airport serves as a critical strategic hub, hosting the military's air force base, drones, and aircraft, as well as the headquarters for a regional defense alliance comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
