American Missionary Freed After Nine Months in Niger
American Missionary Freed After Nine Months in Niger
The News
Released to U.S. officials
Kevin Rideout, an American missionary pilot kidnapped in Niger last October, has been released after nine months in captivity, his mission organization said Friday.
SIM International announced Rideout "is in good health in the care of U.S. officials," according to the Washington Examiner. The Los Angeles Times reported he was taken in Niger in October and freed Friday.
Reuters reported he is in U.S. custody and set to be reunited with his family. NTD reported he will soon rejoin his relatives.
Reactions
Trump takes credit
President Trump confirmed the release, The Hill reported, celebrating the return of the missionary kidnapped in West Africa.
"Glad to have helped!" Trump said, per WND, which also quoted him telling Rideout: "Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you home."
More
The Washington Examiner reported Trump secured Rideout's freedom from a terrorist group operating in Niger. Neither the White House nor SIM International has disclosed how the release was obtained, and no party has said whether any payment or exchange was involved.
What's still unknown
No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, The Independent reported.
Niger remains high-risk territory for Americans. The U.S. Embassy warned after Rideout's abduction that Americans face heightened kidnapping risk across the country, including in the capital, Niamey. The country's ruling junta expelled U.S. troops in 2023.
UMass Dartmouth Running Back, 18, Stabbed to Death
Trump Vows 'AI Force,' Czar; Polls Name Change
Sep 20, 2026
Iran Sends Trump Three Conditions to End War
Sep 19, 2026
Faulty AI Intel Nearly Started War With China
Sep 19, 2026
German General Breuer Elected NATO's Top Officer
Sep 19, 2026
Nobel Laureate: War, Sanctions Crushing Iranians
Sep 19, 2026
Dutch Police Disperse Violent Far-Right Hague Protest
Sep 19, 2026
GOP Midterm Odds Fade With 45 Days Left
Sep 19, 2026
Maher Rejects Tarlov's Claim Democrats Are Less Crazy
Sep 19, 2026
Patrick Clancy Breaks Silence After Ex-Wife Killed Kids
Sep 19, 2026
Trump Cuts Park Staff, Diverts Fees to DC
Sep 19, 2026
Holocaust Heirs Sue LA Museums Over Looted Art
Sep 19, 2026
Trump's Fed Chair Hikes Rates, Defying White House
Sep 19, 2026
Miller Drives Push to Deport Illegal Immigrant Children
Sep 19, 2026
US Lifts Sanctions on Eritrea's Military, Ruling Party
Sep 19, 2026
Air Force Admits US Has Space Weapons
Sep 19, 2026
Turkey Revokes License of Iran's Mellat Bank
Sep 19, 2026
Billionaire Ratcliffe Blasts Britain Over Immigration, Taxes
Sep 19, 2026
Navajo Nation Flash Flood Kills Three
Sep 19, 2026
Explosions Over Riyadh Trigger Saudi Air Alerts
Sep 19, 2026
Sep 19, 2026