American Missionary Kevin Rideout Freed After Nine Months in Niger

American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after being held captive in Niger for nine months.

Rideout is in good health in the care of U.S. officials and will soon be reunited with his family. President Donald Trump announced Rideout's return on Truth Social, stating, "I am proud to announce that Kevin Rideout, a wonderful Christian Missionary, is back in United States Custody." Rideout, a pilot with the evangelical organization Serving in Mission (SIM), was kidnapped near his home in Niamey on October 21, 2025.

SIM International confirmed his release on August 14, 2026, expressing gratitude for his freedom. The organization stated that Rideout will be reunited with his wife, Krista, his children, and his extended family. The White House had previously stated that securing Rideout's release was a top priority. Reports suggest that improved coordination with the Sahelian states of Mali and Niger, which are controlled by Russian-backed military juntas, may have contributed to his release.

The Trump administration actively engaged with the Alliance of Sahel States (AoSS) rather than lecturing them on human rights. While official details of the release remain scarce, Rideout's freedom was a priority for the administration. Islamist terror groups are active in Niger, and no armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction.