Kathmandu— An American missionary held captive in Niger for over nine months has been released and is receiving support from United States authorities. Kevin Rideout, a pilot affiliated with the evangelical missionary agency SIM International, was kidnapped on October 21st in the capital city of Niamey by three armed men while en route to the airport. The circumstances surrounding his release remain unclear, though he is reported to be in good health and traveling back to the United States accompanied by FBI officials. Rideout’s abduction occurred amidst ongoing instability in Niger and the broader Sahel region, where various armed groups operate.

Kidnapping And Initial Reports

Kevin Rideout was abducted in Niamey on October 21, 2025. He was traveling towards the airport when three armed men took him captive. SIM International confirmed his kidnapping and has now announced his release after more than nine months.

Release Confirmed By SIM

SIM International released a statement Friday confirming Rideout’s freedom. “We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity,” the organization said, adding that he was in good health and would soon be reunited with his family.

Possible Affiliation With Armed Groups

Following his abduction, it was believed the kidnappers transported Rideout towards Niger’s Tillaberi region, an area known for activity by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). Reports in March indicated he may have been held in neighboring Mali by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of al-Qaeda. Details regarding the final stages of his captivity and the identity of those holding him remain unclear.

Regional Instability And US Presence

Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, has faced years of challenges from armed groups operating in the Sahel region. The United States withdrew its troops from Niger after a military coup in 2023, following which Niger’s authorities have reportedly strengthened security cooperation with Russia.

Rideout is currently en route back to the United States with FBI officials, and further details regarding his release are expected to emerge as investigations continue.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.