American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released from nine months of captivity in Niger and is returning home to the United States.
Kevin Rideout, a Christian missionary pilot, was released into the care of U.S. officials after being held captive by Islamist militants in Niger for over nine months. The administration announced that Rideout was reunited with his wife, Krista, and is preparing to return to the United States. Rideout was kidnapped on October 21, 2025, from outside his home in the capital city of Niamey, just 150 feet from the presidential palace. He was seized by three unidentified men and taken to the western Tillaberi region, an area known for active Islamic terrorism. SIM International, the organization Rideout serves, confirmed he is in good health and expressed gratitude for the world's prayers during his detention. President Trump noted that Rideout's return marks the 110th captive American liberated since he was sworn in as President for a second time. The administration has expressed concern regarding the ongoing threat of kidnapping and the threat of Islamic terrorism in the region.