Christian missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after more than nine months in captivity in Niger, SIM International announced. Rideout, an American pilot for the North Carolina-based organization, was kidnapped near his home in the capital city of Niamey on Oct. 21, 2025.
SIM International confirmed Rideout's release in a statement shared with Fox News Digital, expressing gratitude for his safe return. He was released into the care of U.S. officials and is reportedly in good health. Rideout is expected to be reunited with his wife and children soon.
The missionary was abducted approximately 150 feet from Niger's presidential palace. While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, analysts have speculated it may be connected to Islamic terror groups operating in the region.
Niger has experienced increased activity from Islamic extremist groups, including the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) and the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM, particularly since a military junta overthrew the democratically elected government in 2023. Following the coup, Niger expelled French and U.S. military personnel, leading to the abandonment of Air Base 101 in Niamey by Western forces. According to the Global Terrorism Index report from 2025, JNIM activity in Niger saw a substantial increase, with a nearly fourteenfold rise in fatalities, marking the highest number of deaths and attacks attributed to JNIM in the country to date.