An American evangelical missionary was abducted in Niamey, Niger, on October 21, CBS News reports. The kidnapping occurred less than 100 yards from the presidential palace.
Several news outlets, including Crosswalk and the Long War Journal, have identified the missionary as Kevin Rideout, affiliated with Serving in Mission (SIM) International. According to reports, three armed men—suspected jihadists—took Rideout from his home. Requests for comment from SIM’s U.S. office in North Carolina were not returned by press time.
Security Alert Issued
In response to the kidnapping, the U.S. Embassy in Niger issued a nationwide security alert on October 22. The embassy warned that “American citizens remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.”
The embassy has also enacted stricter security measures, including:
- Requiring armored vehicles for all official travel,
- Restricting movement for embassy personnel and family members,
- Instituting a mandatory curfew and routine accountability, and
- Banning visits to restaurants and open-air markets.
The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the incident without naming Rideout. A spokesperson told the Associated Press:
“It is a top priority for the Trump Administration to look after the safety of every American, and we are seeing efforts from across the U.S. government to support the recovery and safe return of this U.S. citizen.”
Call for Prayer
Tony Lynn, a North American Mission Board Send Network catalyst who previously served in Niger, asked Christians to pray for Rideout and his family. In a Facebook post, he wrote:
“Missionary kidnapped this week in a country we called home, with our children, for years. Pray with us for his rescue/release. He is a pilot with SIM International.”
Rising Persecution in Niger
Christian persecution in Niger has intensified since a military coup in July 2023 led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani. The coup disrupted a Southern Baptist mission team from Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas, forcing them to shelter in place before safely returning to the U.S.
According to Open Doors, Niger is ranked 28th most dangerous country for Christians in its 2025 World Watch List. The jihadist group al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah has been a major driver of violence, targeting Christian individuals and institutions. Open Doors notes that attacks on churches, schools, and healthcare centers have increased, and Christians—who make up just 0.2% of the population—face frequent threats and kidnappings.
“The presence of radical Islamist groups has led to frequent attacks and kidnappings, significantly limiting the freedom and safety of Christians,” Open Doors wrote.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This report was originally written by Diana Chandler for Baptist Press and has been adapted for Christian Dispatch
