Friday, August 14, 2026 - Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot held captive in Niger for over nine months, has been released to United States officials, according to statement from his missionary organization, SIM International.
Confirming the development, SIM International Director Phil
Bauman expressed gratitude over Rideout's freedom, reporting that the
missionary remains in good health as arrangements are made to reunite him with
his family:
“We are
grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout,
has been released after over nine months in captivity.”
“Kevin is in
good health in the care of US officials.”
Rideout was abducted from outside his residence on October
21, 2025, by three unidentified gunmen who subsequently fled toward the western
Tillaberi region, an area marked by active insurgent groups. Following the
abduction, the United States Embassy heightened security protocols and issued
elevated travel warnings regarding kidnapping threats across the region.
Reports indicate that Rideout is in federal custody and in
stable condition, supported by proof-of-life documentation obtained prior to
his handover. However, specific details regarding the exact circumstances of
his release or the specific militant group holding him during the final phase
of his captivity remain undisclosed.
The region continues to face persistent security challenges
and violent attacks driven by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic
State, particularly along the tri-border zone connecting Niger, Mali, and
Burkina Faso.
US missionary abducted in Niger released after nine months
in captivity — Christian organization
Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot held captive in
Niger for over nine months, has been released to United States officials,
according to statement from his missionary organization, SIM International.
Confirming the development, SIM International Director Phil
Bauman expressed gratitude over Rideout's freedom, reporting that the
missionary remains in good health as arrangements are made to reunite him with
his family:
“We are
grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout,
has been released after over nine months in captivity.”
“Kevin is in
good health in the care of US officials.”
Rideout was abducted from outside his residence on October
21, 2025, by three unidentified gunmen who subsequently fled toward the western
Tillaberi region, an area marked by active insurgent groups. Following the
abduction, the United States Embassy heightened security protocols and issued
elevated travel warnings regarding kidnapping threats across the region.
Reports indicate that Rideout is in federal custody and in
stable condition, supported by proof-of-life documentation obtained prior to
his handover. However, specific details regarding the exact circumstances of
his release or the specific militant group holding him during the final phase
of his captivity remain undisclosed.
The region continues to face persistent security challenges
and violent attacks driven by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic
State, particularly along the tri-border zone connecting Niger, Mali, and
Burkina Faso.
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