US President Donald Trump has provided an update on the release of American Christian missionary and pilot Kevin Rideout, who spent more than nine months in captivity in Niger.
Trump shared the update in a post on his Truth Social platform, revealing that Rideout 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.
The US president described Rideout’s release as the 110th instance of an American captive being freed since he began his second term in office.
“I look forward to seeing Kevin and Krista at the White House soon!” Trump added.
Rideout, who worked as a missionary and pilot with SIM International, was abducted outside his residence in Niamey, Niger, in October 2025.
The Christian organisation later confirmed that he was in good health and receiving care from US officials following his release.
According to reports, three armed men abducted Rideout and transported him toward the Tillaberi region in western Niger, an area that has experienced significant militant activity.
Details about his release, including the identities of his captors and the circumstances surrounding his freedom, have not been publicly disclosed.
Rideout had spent about 19 years working in Niger and served as a pilot for SIM International, a Christian organisation operating in more than 70 countries.
