American missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivity

American missionary Kevin Rideout has regained his freedom after more than nine months in captivity following his October 2025 abduction in Niger’s capital, Niamey, according to a report by Punch Newspapers. His organisation, SIM International, said he is now in good health under US officials’ care, with the New York Times reporting he is in FBI custody.

Three armed men had taken Rideout to the Tillaberi region, raising fears of jihadist involvement. A pilot who served in Niger for 19 years, Rideout will soon reunite with his wife and children as the family requests privacy.