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Kidnapped American missionary Kevin Rideout regains freedom after nine months

Kevin Rideout, an American missionary kidnapped in the Niger Republic, has been released after spending nine months.

• August 14, 2026
Kevin Rideout
Kevin Rideout

Kevin Rideout, an American missionary kidnapped in the Niger Republic, has been released after spending nine months.

SIM International, the missionary organisation Mr Rideout serves, announced his release in a statement on Friday.

“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 statement said. “Kevin is in good health in the care of US officials and would be reunited with his family.”

Mr Rideout was kidnapped in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on October 21 last year by armed men and remained in captivity until his release nine months later.

After his abduction, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert, warning that American citizens were at heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger.

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