An American Christian missionary, Kevin Rideout, has been released to U.S. officials after spending over nine months in captivity in Niger.
His organization, the Charlotte-based SIM International, confirmed on Friday that Rideout is in good health and will soon be reunited with his family.
“We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity,” SIM International Director Phil Bauman told CNN in a statement.
“Kevin is in good health in the care of US officials,” the statement said, adding Rideout will soon be reunited with his family.
Rideout was abducted on October 21, 2025, from outside his home in the capital city of Niamey by three unidentified men who fled toward the western Tillaberi region—an area known for active Islamist militant groups.
