" The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. " — Psalm 34:18
✅ What we know
Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot, has served in the country of Niger for many years with the organization SIM (Serving in Mission), operating in and around the capital city of Niamey.
On the night of October 21, 2025, three armed men reportedly abducted him from his home in Niamey, in a relatively secure neighborhood near the presidential palace.
Following his abduction, his phone last pinged in the region of Dinki (or nearby) about 12 miles outside Niamey — a region known to be under influence or control of Islamic State – Sahel Province (ISSP) or allied militant groups.
The U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Niger have acknowledged they are aware of the situation and are working with local Nigerien authorities.
The security situation in Niger, especially for foreign missionaries and Christian workers, has deteriorated considerably, and this abduction is seen in the context of rising kidnappings and militant activity.
---
⚠️ What we don't know (yet)
There is no publicly confirmed information about Kevin Rideout's current condition, whereabouts, or whether any negotiations have been concluded.
There is no publicly confirmed claim of responsibility (though analysts strongly suspect ISSP involvement).
There is no verified timeline or outcome provided yet – whether he will be released soon, whether rescue efforts are underway, or whether captors have made demands.
The identity of the exact captors is not certain, nor is the motive fully confirmed beyond "kidnapping for militant/terrorist purposes."
---
🙏 What this means for prayer & support
Kevin Rideout is still missing and in grave danger; it's appropriate to pray for his safety, the comfort of his family, the wisdom of those working on his behalf, and the return of the Gospel's peace even in this dark place.
Pray also for the local Christian community in Niger, many of whom are under increased threat; this incident underscores how vulnerable missionary work has become in that region.
If you have contacts or connections with SIM or others familiar with the field, you may wish to monitor their official channels for updates (they often respect operational security and so public updates may be slow).
