Trump Confirms Release of American Missionary Kevin Rideout After Nine Months in Niger Captivity

Former hostage reunited with wife as Trump says he is preparing to return to the United States.

United States President Donald Trump has confirmed the release of American missionary and pilot Kevin Rideout after more than nine months in captivity in Niger.

Trump announced Rideout’s freedom on Sunday through his Truth Social platform, 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 the development as another milestone in his administration’s efforts to secure the release of Americans held captive abroad, claiming Rideout was the 110th American captive liberated since he began his second term.

“I look forward to seeing Kevin and Krista at the White House soon!” Trump added.

Nine months in captivity

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

The missionary had spent about 19 years working in Niger and served as a pilot for the Christian organisation, which operates across more than 70 countries.

Reports obtained by ValidViewNetwork indicate that three armed men abducted him and took him towards the Tillaberi region in western Niger, an area affected by militant activity.

ValidViewNetwork reports that details surrounding Rideout’s release, including the identity of his captors and the circumstances that secured his freedom, have not been publicly disclosed.

SIM International said Rideout was in good health following his release and was receiving care from United States officials. His return brings an end to more than nine months of uncertainty for his family and colleagues, while drawing fresh attention to the security risks facing humanitarian and missionary workers operating in conflict-affected parts of the Sahel.

For Krista Rideout, however, the development is more personal than political. After months of waiting for her husband’s return, she has finally been reunited with him.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Rideout’s expected return to the United States now marks the beginning of a different chapter; rebuilding a life interrupted by captivity and an ordeal that lasted more than nine months.