Kevin Rideout is free. The American missionary pilot has been released after more than nine months in captivity in Niger, The New York Times first reported.
On Oct. 21, 2025, Rideout — who serves with SIM International — was abducted by three armed men near his home in the capital, Niamey. Rideout is reported to be in good health and in the care of U.S. officials, SIM said in a statement Friday (Aug. 14) (see full statement below). They noted he will soon reunite with his wife, Krista, and their children.
No group reportedly has claimed responsibility for Rideout’s kidnapping, and no other details related to his release have been made public.
‘Incredibly good news’
SIM statement: “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.
Kevin is in good health in the care of US officials. He will soon 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.
We ask that you respect the privacy of the family while they reconnect after this time apart. Please join us in giving thanks to the Lord for this incredibly good news!”
See related links:
American missionary kidnapped in Niger is said to be released from captivity -The New York Times
American missionary pilot released after being abducted in Niger last year: report -Christian Post
American missionary kidnapped in Niger in October is freed, his organization says -CBS
American missionary Kevin Rideout released after more than 9 months in captivity in Niger -Fox News
The links above are a sampling of headlines related to the story and are not an endorsement of all viewpoints or reporting.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was compiled from various news outlets by The Baptist Paper.
