- Kevin Rideout spent more than nine months in captivity after being abducted in Niger in October 2025.
- US President Donald Trump confirmed that Rideout has been reunited with his wife, Krista.
- The missionary is preparing to return to the United States after being released.
American missionary Kevin Rideout, who spent more than nine months in captivity after being abducted in Niger, has been reunited with his wife and is preparing to return to the United States.
Eko Hot Blog reports that US President Donald Trump confirmed Rideout’s release in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, saying the former hostage was now getting ready to fly home.
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“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 said.
Trump added that he looked forward to welcoming Rideout and his wife, Krista, to the White House.
The US President also described Rideout’s release as the 110th captive American liberated since he began his second term in office.
Rideout, a Christian missionary and pilot with SIM International, was abducted outside his home in Niamey, Niger, in October 2025.
Three armed men reportedly seized him and took him to the Tillaberi region in western Niger, an area that has been affected by militant activity.
SIM International said Rideout was in good health following his release and was receiving care from US officials.
The circumstances surrounding his release, including the identities 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 for SIM International, a Christian organisation operating in more than 70 countries.
His release ends more than nine months of captivity and comes as security concerns remain high in parts of the West African country, where armed militant groups have carried out attacks and kidnappings.
Rideout is now expected to return to the United States to reunite with his family following the ordeal.
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