US missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivity

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An American Christian missionary, Kevin Rideout, has regained his freedom after spending more than nine months in captivity following his abduction in Niger, his organisation, SIM International, has said.

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According to BBC on Friday, the Rideout was kidnapped outside his home in Niger’s capital, Niamey, in October 2025 by three armed men who reportedly took him to the western Tillaberi region, an area known for militant activity.

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SIM International said in a statement on Friday that Rideout was “in good health in the care of US officials”.

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The New York Times, which first reported his release, cited unnamed US officials as saying he was in FBI custody. However, details of how he was released and who held him remained unclear.

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There had been concerns that Rideout may have been abducted by militants, including members of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda affiliate active in the region.

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Reuters, citing diplomatic sources, reported that three armed men took Rideout to Tillaberi following his abduction.

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The US had warned its citizens against travelling to Niger shortly after the kidnapping, citing an increased risk of terrorism, crime and civil unrest.

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Rideout, who is also a pilot, had worked in Niger as a Christian missionary for 19 years and served as a pilot for SIM International, which operates in more than 70 countries.

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SIM International described his release as “incredibly good news” after months of uncertainty over his wellbeing.

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The organisation said Rideout would soon be reunited with his wife, children and extended family.

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“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,” the organisation said.

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It added that the family had requested privacy while they “reconnect after this time apart”.

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Rideout’s release comes amid continuing insecurity across Niger and other parts of the Sahel, where jihadist groups have carried out attacks and kidnappings targeting civilians and security forces.

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Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria have faced persistent militant violence for more than a decade, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.

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The region has also experienced a series of military coups, with elected governments overthrown in several countries.

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