Motorcyclists ride along a street in Niamey, Niger, on June 18, 2026. AP Photo
President Donald Trump said on Aug. 16 that the American missionary pilot who was kidnapped in Niger last year is set to fly back to the United States following his release from captivity.
Kevin Rideout, a pilot with Christian missionary organization Serving In Mission International, was abducted by three men outside his home in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Oct. 21, 2025. Rideout was released and transferred to U.S. custody on Aug. 14.
“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 Truth Social post.
Trump said Rideout is the 110th American captive freed since the start of his second administration in January 2025, adding that he looks forward to hosting Rideout and his wife at the White House soon.
Details surrounding Rideout’s abduction remain unclear, and it’s unknown who was behind the kidnapping. After his abduction, the kidnappers were believed to have traveled toward the western Tillaberi region of Niger, where Islamic terrorists are active.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
