Libyan authorities rescued kidnapped American missionary Kevin Rideout last week. Rideout has returned to the United States, reuniting with his family.
Rideout began working as a Christian missionary pilot in Niger in 2010. Along with his brother Ian, he flew passengers, equipment, and supplies across Niger and other countries in West Africa.
He lived in Niamey, the capital city of Niger, with his wife and four children.
In October 2025, three armed men seized Rideout near his home. They transported him to Mali, a country west of Niger. An Islamist militant group held him hostage for nine months.
The U.S. government worked with the Libyan government on his rescue. Libyan authorities escorted Rideout from Mali to Libya. They then arranged his return to the United States.
It’s not clear how Rideout was rescued. Some sources say Libya paid a ransom. Another says Libya carried out a military operation.
“Kidnapping is a multimillion-dollar business” for militant groups, says Ulf Laessing. He is an expert on the Sahal, a region in western and north-central Africa. “It also means Western donors and aid groups will pull out staff and suspend operations in the Sahel, which will lead to more poverty, making it easier for jihadis to recruit.”
The day after Rideout’s kidnapping, the U.S. Embassy in Niger issued a security alert. It warns that U.S. citizens “remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.”
Laessing says that security in Niger worsened last year. Militant groups “are reviving a kidnapping business.” They started with tourists. They are now also targeting aid workers.
A military junta governs Niger after deposing the president in 2023.
Rideout’s missionary organization, Serving in Mission, issued a short statement. It says that Rideout’s family is “profoundly grateful for the prayers offered on their behalf by people around the world throughout his captivity.”
Pray for Rideout’s recovery after his ordeal. Pray that his kidnappers will repent and come to faith in Christ.
