American missionary and pilot Kevin Rideout has regained his freedom after spending about nine months in captivity following his abduction in Niger, his organization, SIM International, has confirmed.
SIM International said Rideout was in good health and in the care of US officials after his release. He is expected to reunite with his wife, children, and extended family.
Rideout was abducted by three armed men from his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on October 21, 2025. The kidnappers reportedly took him towards the western Tillaberi region, an area where Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked militants operate.
Reuters reported on Friday that his release was facilitated by eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar. Rideout was reportedly handed over to authorities in eastern Libya before being transferred to US officials. The exact terms of the deal remain unclear, although one source told Reuters that a ransom may have been paid.
No group publicly claimed responsibility for Rideout’s kidnapping, although US officials had suspected that an Islamic State affiliate in the Sahel was holding him.
Rideout had worked in Niger for years as a missionary and pilot with SIM International, an evangelical organization operating in more than 70 countries.
SIM described his release as “incredibly good news” and said his family was grateful for the prayers and support offered during his captivity.
Rideout’s release comes as insecurity continues to worsen across Niger and the wider Sahel, where jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda remain active and have carried out attacks and kidnappings.
