Americans on Friday celebrated the safe return of Kevin Rideout, a missionary pilot who had been in African captivity for nearly a year.
President Donald Trump was among those addressing the development on social media:
🔴President Trump just announced that Christian missionary Kevin Rideout is safely back in U.S. custody. He was kidnapped by Jihadi terrorists in West Africa. Trump called the region the epicenter of Islamist terrorism. America is bringing him home!🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/4hxALeei2z
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) August 14, 2026
As The Hill reported:
Trump’s post follows a statement earlier Friday from Rideout’s evangelical missionary organization, SIM International, which announced the American was “in good health in the care of U.S. officials” and would soon be reunited with his family.
“Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you HOME,” Trump continued in his post, adding, “Glad to have helped!”
The 50-year-old pilot was kidnapped outside of his home in Niger’s capital of Niamey on Oct. 21 by three armed people, an unnamed diplomat told Reuters at the time.
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Many others shared the news on X:
After more than nine months in captivity, this is incredible news. 🙏 Kevin Rideout’s release will be a huge relief for his family and everyone who hoped for his safe return. 🕊️
— X Farmer (@ojj_joj) August 14, 2026
We thank God for the release of Kelvin Rideout, The father, Mr George Rideout, was our Mathematics teacher in secondary school in the 1980s in Kogi State. @TAlummi @titcombecollege
— OlaMF1 (@OlaMF1) August 14, 2026
Thank God for this. Prayers answered. May he and his family have a beautiful reunion
— The Herald (@LivingSacrifce) August 14, 2026
ABC News added:
No armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction.
Niger has long faced attacks from armed groups including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization.
The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert a day after Rideout’s kidnapping warning that American citizens “remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.”
Niger is ruled by a military junta that took power in 2023 after deposing the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. The new authorities ousted Western partners including the United States, which had soldiers in Niger, and forged a new security and diplomatic alliance with Russia.
In June, more than 30 people were killed when gunmen attacked the main airport in Niamey. It was the second attack this year at the airport, a strategic hub that serves as the ruling military’s command, hosting its air force base and most of its drones and aircraft. It’s also the headquarters of the regional alliance that brings together troops from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
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