President Trump announced Sunday that Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot held hostage in Niger for more than nine months, has been released and is on his way back to the United States.
Rideout, 50, was kidnapped from outside his home in Niamey, Niger, on October 21, 2025. He worked for Serving in Mission-SIM, a Christian missionary organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he had served for 19 years. His release was facilitated with the help of Khalifa Haftar, the eastern Libyan military commander, according to four sources cited by Reuters.
The announcement comes nearly three months after U.S. forces killed Abu Bilal al-Minuki, the global second-in-command of the Islamic State, in a strike that may have been linked to Rideout's captivity. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the details of his release or the conditions surrounding it.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "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." He added, "I look forward to seeing Kevin and Krista at the White House soon!"
The president noted that Rideout is the 110th American held captive abroad to be released during his second administration. The milestone underscores the administration's ongoing efforts to secure the return of U.S. citizens detained overseas.
Serving in Mission-SIM confirmed Rideout's release in a statement, saying: "We are grateful to confirm that our good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been released after over nine months in captivity." The organization added that he is in good health and in the care of U.S. officials, and requested privacy for the family as they reunite.
Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) celebrated the news on social media, writing: "His courage to share the Gospel is a reminder that Christians still face persecution around the world. That's why I'm working to hold religious persecutors accountable." Evangelist Franklin Graham, president of a global non-profit based in Charlotte, called the release an "answered prayer," noting that Rideout's wife and four children are "grateful and excited" to have him back.
The release highlights the complex diplomatic and military channels often involved in hostage negotiations, including cooperation with regional figures like Haftar. It also draws attention to the ongoing risks faced by aid workers and missionaries in volatile regions of Africa.
The White House has yet to provide further details on the terms of Rideout's release or any potential concessions made. The administration's success in securing his freedom may bolster its record on hostage diplomacy, a key priority for Trump.
