Kidnapped U.S. Missionary Pilot Freed in Niger

Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot based in Niamey, Niger, was recently released after spending nine months in captivity.

Three armed men kidnapped Rideout from outside his home on Oct. 21, 2025. Serving In Mission (SIM) USA, a North Carolina-based ministry, confirmed his release on its website.

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

The New York Times reported that Rideout is in F.B.I. custody. The details behind the 50-year-old pilot’s release and the group that had kidnapped him were unavailable at press time.

Rideout has worked in Niger as a missionary for 19 years. There, he served with his brother, Ian, his wife, Krista, and their four children. He flew support missions throughout West Africa, providing supplies to other missionaries and aid organizations operating hospitals and orphanages, assisting refugees, drilling wells, and teaching literacy.

Rideout was reportedly taken nearly 100 yards from Niger’s presidential palace in Niger’s capital. At the time of his kidnapping, militant Islamic groups had been expanding their influence in the region for years. Niger’s own political upheaval following its 2023 military coup worsened national security.

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