American Missionary Freed After 9 Months in Captivity in Niger: 'Thanks to the Lord'

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An American missionary who was kidnapped by armed men in Niger’s capital nine months ago has been released, according to statements by President Trump and a mission agency associated with the worker. 

SIM International on Friday announced the release of Kevin Rideout, who had gone missing last October when three individuals in a Toyota Corolla grabbed him and drove him out of town, according to the Associated Press. No group publicly associated itself with the kidnapping, and details have yet to be released about his release.

“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 said in a statement, which noted he was taken outside his home in Niamey, Niger, on Oct. 21 last year.

“Kevin is in good health in the care of US officials,” the statement added. “He will soon be reunited with Krista, his children, and his extended family. 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.

“We ask that you respect the privacy of the family while they reconnect after this time apart. Please join us in giving thanks to the Lord for this incredibly good news!”

Trump, too, celebrated the news in a Truth Social post.

“Kevin was kidnapped by Jihadi terrorists in West Africa –The epicenter of Islamist terrorism, where there have been more deadly attacks in the past year than anywhere else on Earth,” Trump wrote. “Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you HOME. Glad to have helped!”

Niger has become increasingly unstable in recent years as militant groups have threatened foreigners, humanitarian workers and Christians.

“The situation for Christians in Niger has worsened significantly since a coup in 2023, which destabilised an already fragile nation,” Open Doors said in its latest report. “The instability has emboldened Islamic militants, including those who have vowed allegiance to the Islamic State group and Al Qaeda. In some parts of Niger, these groups operate without much resistance; strict Islamic law is imposed and enforced. In other regions, church buildings are destroyed, and believers are killed. The country’s borders with Mali and Burkina Faso are porous and easy for militants to cross, allowing them to gain more territory with ease.”

Photo Credit: ©SIMInternational

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

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