An American missionary pilot who was held captive in Niger for nine months has been released to U.S. officials, the Christian organization he worked for said on Friday.
Kevin Rideout was kidnapped by three unknown men from outside his home in the west African nation’s capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21, 2025, according to Charlotte-based Christian missionary organization Serving in Mission.
President Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that Rideout “was kidnapped by Jihadi terrorists” but is now back in U.S. custody.
“Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you HOME,” he wrote. “Glad to have helped!”
The men who took him later headed toward the western Tillaberi region of Niger, where Islamic terrorists are active. It’s not clear which group captured him….