(From Mission Network News, https://www.mnnonline.org/, 10/24/25) – Niger (MNN) — American citizen and missionary pilot Kevin Rideout was abducted by armed men in the capital of Niger on Tuesday, October 21. According to a report from Reuters, Rideout works with the evangelical missions agency called Serving in Mission (known as SIM International).
“According to local sources, three armed men kidnapped him [Rideout], and since then, we haven’t heard about that more,” says Illia Djadi. He serves with Open Doors International as the Senior Analyst for Freedom of Religion and Belief in Africa. “So far, no group has claimed the kidnapping.”
But there are ways to make an educated guess. Niger endures rising unrest and Islamic insurgencies.
“Niger is part of this group of countries [that are] the most affected by Islamic insurgency active in the Sahel or West African region,” says Djadi, who is himself from Niger.
“That’s the area [Central Sahel] now all analysts and observers agree has become the new epicenter of jihad or terrorism in sub-Saharan Africa, because that’s the only area where we have al-Qaeda affiliate and Islamic State affiliates operating.”
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A CALL TO ACTIVE PRAYER:
- Ask God for a miraculous release but also for endurance and faithful witness for Rideout in unimaginable circumstances.
- Pray for Niger’s security as well. Kevin Rideout is one of at least eight foreign nationals kidnapped there this year.
- Pray also for strength for the Church in Niger, which is deeply affected by Islamic insurgency.
- Continue to pray and to pay attention to events in Niger, Central Sahel, and in sub-Saharan Africa.