American missionary Kevin Rideout is returning to the United States after more than nine months in captivity in Niger, President Donald Trump announced Sunday. Rideout has been reunited with his wife, Krista, and is in good health.
SIM International, a Christian missionary organization, confirmed Rideout's release, stating he was abducted near his home in Niger's capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21, 2025. The organization expressed gratitude for the prayers and support offered on his behalf during his detention.
Rideout, a pilot for SIM, is expected to be reunited with his wife and children. He was released into the care of U.S. officials.
Trump had previously acknowledged Rideout's rescue on social media, describing him as a missionary kidnapped by "Jihadi terrorists" in West Africa. The president stated that Rideout is back in U.S. custody and expressed anticipation for his return.
Rideout was reportedly abducted approximately 150 feet from Niger's presidential palace. While the group responsible for the kidnapping has not been officially identified, speculation from analysts, as reported by The Washington Post, has linked the incident to Islamic terror groups operating in the region.
Niger has experienced a surge in Islamic terrorism, particularly since a military junta took power in 2023. Following the coup, foreign military personnel, including those from the U.S. and France, were expelled. This withdrawal led to the abandonment of Air Base 101 in Niamey by U.S. Africa Command. Islamic extremist groups, such as the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) and the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM, have reportedly increased their presence and activities in the area. A 2025 report from the Global Terrorism Index noted a substantial rise in JNIM activity in Niger, resulting in a significant increase in fatalities.