American missionary kidnapped in Niger in October freed, his organization says

Niamey, Niger — An American missionary who was kidnapped in the West African nation of Niger in October has been released, his organization said Friday.

Kevin Rideout “is in good health in the care of U.S. officials,” Fort Mill, South Carolina-based SIM International said in a statement.

He “will soon be reunited with Krista, his children, and his extended family,” the statement from the Christian group said. “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.”

There was no initial word on what led to his release.

SIM International said Rideout was abducted from outside his home.

Rideout was kidnapped in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21 by three armed individuals and was probably driven out of town, according to information provided by a security official at the time.

No armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction.

Niger has long faced attacks from armed groups including jihadis linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert a day after Rideout’s kidnapping, warning that American citizens “remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.”

Niger is ruled by a military junta that took power in 2023 after deposing the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The new authorities ousted Western partners including the United States, which had soldiers in Niger, and forged a new security and diplomatic alliance with Russia.

The New York Times, which first reported Rideout’s release, said the 50-year-old had worked as a missionary in Niger for 19 years and was a pilot for SIM International.

The group describes itself as “an evangelical mission agency, working with churches around the world” with teams in more than 70 countries.