US President Donald Trump has confirmed that American missionary Kevin Rideout, who was released after more than nine months in captivity in Niger, is preparing to return to the United States.
Trump confirmed Rideout’s release in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, saying the former hostage was preparing to return to the United States after being reunited with his wife, Krista.
“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.
He said Rideout’s release marked the “110th captive American liberated” since he began his second term as President.
“I look forward to seeing Kevin and Krista at the White House soon!” Trump added.
Rideout, a Christian missionary and pilot with SIM International, had spent more than nine months in captivity after he was abducted outside his home in Niamey, Niger, in October 2025.
According to SIM International, Rideout was in good health and in the care of US officials following his release.
Three armed men reportedly abducted the missionary and took him to the Tillaberi region in western Niger, an area affected by militant activity.
Details surrounding his release, including the identity of his captors and how his freedom was secured, remained unclear.
Rideout had worked in Niger for 19 years and served as a pilot for SIM International, a Christian organisation operating in more than 70 countries.
