Niamey, Niger — An American missionary who was taken hostage in Niger last October has been freed, according to a statement released by his organization on Friday.
Kevin Rideout “is in good health and currently under the care of U.S. officials,” announced SIM International, a Christian organization based in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
The statement added that he “is expected to be reunited soon with Krista, his children, and his extended family.” Krista and the rest of Rideout’s family expressed their deep gratitude for the prayers and support received from around the globe during his ordeal, particularly highlighting the extensive backing from their SIM community.
Details regarding the circumstances of his release remain unclear at this time.
CBS News has reached out to the State Department, the White House, and the Pentagon for any comments regarding the situation.
According to SIM International, Rideout was abducted from the vicinity of his home in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on October 21, by three armed men who likely transported him away from the city, as per a security official’s report at the time.
No militant group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
Niger has been contending with violent attacks from various armed factions, including jihadist groups associated with al-Qaeda and ISIS.
The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security advisory the day following Rideout’s abduction, cautioning that American citizens “continue to face an increased risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital.”
Niger is currently governed by a military junta that seized power in 2023 after the ousting of the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The new regime has distanced itself from Western allies, including the United States, which previously had military personnel in the country, and has instead sought a security and diplomatic partnership with Russia.
The New York Times, which was the first to report on Rideout’s release, noted that the 50-year-old has served as a missionary in Niger for nearly two decades and is also a pilot for SIM International.
SIM International describes itself as “an evangelical mission agency that collaborates with churches worldwide,” operating in over 70 countries.
