Kidnapped U.S. missionary in Niger safely released

NIAMEY, Niger (BP) – Kevin Rideout, a U.S. missionary to Niger kidnapped by militants in October 2025, has been released in good health, Serving in Mission International (SIM) publicly confirmed Aug. 14.

“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity,” SIM said. “Kevin is in good health in the care of U.S. officials. He will soon be reunited with (his wife) Krista, his children, and his extended family.”

Three men suspected of being jihadists had taken the a 50-year-old pilot from his home in Niamey Oct. 21. Rideout is believed to have been released Aug. 13, but no group has claimed responsibility for the crime.

SIM, which previously made no public comments on Rideout’s ordeal, thanked Christians for their prayers preceding his release.

“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,” SIM said. “We ask that you respect the privacy of the family while they reconnect after this time apart.”

Rideout is safely in the U.S., President Donald Trump announced today on Truth Social.

“I am proud to announce that Kevin Rideout, a wonderful Christian missionary, is back in United States Custody,” Trump said in a post. “Kevin was kidnapped by Jihadi terrorists in West Africa – the epicenter of Islamist terrorism, where there have been more deadly attacks in the past year than anywhere else on Earth. Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you home. Glad to have helped!”

The U.S. State Department had worked for Rideout’s release, the New York Times reported, referencing two anonymous sources.

“Details of how and precisely where Mr. Rideout was released were unclear late Thursday (Aug. 13),” the Times reported, based on the sources. “It was unclear which terrorist or criminal group held Mr. Rideout at the end of his captivity, as he may have been moved recently, one of the two officials said.”

Rideout had been in FBI custody, the Times credited the sources as saying, and was in good health based on proof-of-life images.

Many Christians hailed Rideout’s release, including evangelist Franklin Graham.

“We thank God that American missionary Kevin Rideout has been freed and is on his way home!” Graham posted early today. “This is an answer to prayer! I know that his wife and four children are so grateful and excited to finally have him back.”

Only 0.3 percent of Niger’s nearly 29 million people are Christian, Open Doors U.S. said in its 2026 World Watch List of Christian persecution, ranking Niger as 26 among the 50 nations where it is most difficult to practice the faith. Islamic oppression is the main driver of persecution.

Note: Story originally published by Baptist Press.