Trump provides update on US missionary held captive in Niger

US President Donald Trump has provided update on the release of American Christian missionary and pilot, Kevin Rideout, who spent more than nine months in captivity in Niger.

Trump made the disclosure in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, saying 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 Rideout was in good health and receiving care from US officials following his release.

Reports indicated that three armed men abducted Rideout and transported him to the Tillaberi region in western Niger, an area that has experienced significant militant activity.

However, details surrounding his release have not been made public, including the identities of those who held him captive and the circumstances under which his freedom was secured.

Rideout had spent about 19 years working in Niger and served as a pilot for SIM International, a Christian organisation with operations in more than 70 countries.