The US President Donald Trump has confirmed the release of American missionary Kevin Rideout, who spent more than nine months in captivity in Niger.
Trump announced Rideout’s release in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, saying the former hostage had been reunited with his wife, Krista, and was preparing to return to the United States.
“I am happy to reveal that former hostage Kevin Rideout is getting ready to fly home to the United States after having been reunited with his beautiful wife, Krista,” Trump wrote.
The President described Rideout’s release as the “110th captive American liberated” since he began his second term.
“I look forward to seeing Kevin and Krista at the White House soon!” he added.
Rideout, a Christian missionary and pilot with SIM International, was abducted outside his home in Niamey, Niger, in October 2025.
According to SIM International, Rideout was in good health and receiving care from US officials following his release.
Three armed men reportedly abducted him and transported him to the Tillaberi region in western Niger, an area affected by militant activity.
However, details surrounding his release, including the identity of his captors and how his freedom was secured, have not been disclosed.
Rideout had lived and worked in Niger for 19 years and served as a pilot with SIM International, a Christian organisation operating in more than 70 countries.
