American missionary kidnapped overseas is released and heading back to the US
American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout has been released after being kidnapped in Niger and is travelling back to the United States. His release ends a lengthy hostage ordeal and is significant given the worsening security situation in the Sahel, where armed groups have increasingly targeted foreign nationals and aid workers.
Rideout was abducted by armed men from his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital, in October 2025, near the presidential palace. He worked with the Christian organisation Serving in Mission and had lived in Niger for many years; reports had linked his captors to Islamic State-affiliated militants, although responsibility and details of his release were not publicly confirmed.
- Kidnapped US missionary Kevin Rideout has been released.
- He is returning to the United States.
- His case highlighted Niger’s deteriorating security.
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Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa, part of the Sahel, a broad dry region south of the Sahara. It has faced years of political instability and violence involving armed groups, including groups claiming links to Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
Foreign aid workers, missionaries and other overseas residents have worked in Niger on projects including health care, education and aviation. Missionary pilots often fly people and supplies to remote areas where road travel can be difficult or unsafe.
Kidnappings of foreign nationals have been a recurring risk in parts of the Sahel, sometimes used by armed groups to seek money, publicity or political influence. They also complicate humanitarian work and place pressure on governments trying to protect citizens abroad.