US missionary released nine months after abduction in Niger
A US missionary has been released in Niger after being held captive for nine months, according to a Christian organization.
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American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released in Niger after being held captive for nine months. Rideout, who works for the Christian organization SIM International, was abducted on October 21, 2025, by three armed individuals in Niamey, the capital city of Niger. He is reportedly in good health and is currently in the care of U.S. officials, with plans to be reunited with his family soon.
No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction. At the time of his kidnapping, Rideout was reportedly taken toward the western Tillaberi region, an area where Islamist militants linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State organization are active.
The U.S. Embassy in Niamey had issued a security alert following the kidnapping, warning American citizens of a heightened risk of abduction throughout Niger. The country has been grappling with attacks from various armed groups amidst a ruling military junta that took power in 2023.
What each outlet emphasizes
- CNN: reports the US missionary was released nine months after abduction, citing a Christian organization.
- BBC: confirms the US missionary's release following kidnap in Niger, also citing a Christian group.