American missionary and pilot Kevin Rideout has been reunited with his wife after spending more than nine months in captivity in Niger, with US President Donald Trump confirming that he is preparing to return home.
Trump announced the development after Rideout was released into US custody. He said the missionary had reunited with his wife, Krista, and was getting ready to fly back 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 said in a post.
Rideout was abducted by three armed men outside his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on October 21, 2025. He was reportedly taken toward the western Tillaberi region, where militant groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have been active.
The missionary had spent about 19 years working in Niger with SIM International, an evangelical Christian organisation operating in several countries.
SIM confirmed following his release that Rideout was in good health and receiving care from US officials. The organisation did not initially disclose details about how his freedom was secured.
Reports have since pointed to a possible role by authorities in eastern Libya in securing his release. Reuters reported that sources gave conflicting accounts, including a possible negotiated deal or an operation by forces linked to Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar.
Rideout later expressed gratitude to Libyan forces and those involved in bringing him to safety, saying he was in good health and looking forward to seeing his family.
Trump described Rideout’s release as the 110th captive American liberated since he returned to office and said he looked forward to welcoming Rideout and his wife to the White House.
The release brings an end to months of uncertainty surrounding Rideout’s disappearance and marks a significant development in US efforts to secure the freedom of Americans held overseas.
