Trump confirms release of US missionary kidnapped in Niger

US President Donald Trump has confirmed the release of American missionary and pilot Kevin Rideout, who spent more than nine months in captivity in Niger.

Trump said Rideout had been reunited with his wife, Krista, and was preparing to return to the United States.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump described the development as the liberation of the 110th American hostage since the start of his second term.

“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.

Rideout, a Christian missionary with SIM International, was abducted outside his home in Niamey, Niger, in October 2025.

He had spent 19 years working in Niger, where he served as a pilot for SIM International, a Christian organisation operating in more than 70 countries.

Three armed men reportedly abducted Rideout and took him to the Tillaberi region of western Niger, an area affected by militant activity.

Following his release, SIM International said Rideout was in good health and receiving care from US officials.

The circumstances surrounding his release remain unclear, including the identities of his captors and how the operation to secure his freedom was carried out.

Trump did not provide further details about the circumstances of the missionary’s release but said Rideout was now preparing to return home after being reunited with his family.