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The State Department has confirmed that an American citizen was kidnapped in Niger’s capital, Niamey.

Getting into it: The kidnapped American has been identified as Kevin Rideout, a missionary pilot in his 50s who has lived and worked in Niger since 2010. Rideout was employed by SIM International, a US-based evangelical Christian organization that provides humanitarian and missionary support across the Sahel region. His work primarily involved flying medical supplies, aid workers, and mission teams to remote communities in Niger and neighboring countries.

Rideout was abducted on the night of October 20, 2025, by three unidentified armed men as he was en route to the airport from his home in Niamey. According to Nigerien security sources, the kidnappers killed his security guard before taking him and fleeing the scene. His phone was later tracked to a location roughly 56 miles north of the capital near the Tillaberi region, a known haven for terrorist organizations affiliated with the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).

Though no group has claimed responsibility and no ransom demand has been made public, US and regional officials suspect the kidnapping was carried out either directly by or on behalf of jihadist militants active in the area.

The US State Department has stated that securing Rideout’s release is a top priority and that the embassy in Niamey is closely coordinating with local officials.

Rideout’s abduction is the latest in a series of kidnappings targeting foreign nationals in Niger. Earlier this year, a 73-year-old Austrian woman and a 67-year-old Swiss national were kidnapped in separate incidents in the northern city of Agadez. In addition, five Indian technicians, four Moroccan truck drivers, and two Chinese oil workers have been abducted since January. Most of these kidnappings have been linked to extremist groups, particularly ISGS, often working through local criminal networks.