American missionary freed after nine months held captive in Niger

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – A North Carolina-based mission organization, SIM, announced Friday that American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after nine months in captivity in Niger.

SIM said Rideout was kidnapped from outside his home in Niamey, the capital of Niger, in October of last year. No armed group claimed responsibility for his abduction.

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

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Rideout’s release, writing: “The FBI and our brilliant partners in the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell have worked tirelessly since last October when Kevin was abducted.”

President Donald Trump called Rideout “a wonderful Christian missionary” on social media Friday, saying he was “back in United States custody.” Trump added: “Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you home. Glad to have helped!”

SIM said Rideout is “in good health in the care of US officials” and would soon be reunited with his family.

Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) said Rideout was also a pilot and, in a statement, said he was “grateful for his release, good health, and reunion with his family.”