American missionary kidnapped in Niger returns home to the USA

American missionary Kevin Rideout, who was abducted in Niger last October, is preparing to return to the United States after being reunited with his wife, Krista. The announcement came from U.S. President Donald Trump via his Truth Social account.

"I am happy to report that former hostage Kevin Rideout is getting ready to fly home to the USA after being reunited with his beautiful wife, Krista," Trump wrote. The President added that he looks forward to welcoming the couple to the White House soon. SIM International, the evangelical Christian mission organization for which Rideout worked, confirmed his abduction outside his home in Niamey, Niger's capital, last October.

Upon the announcement of his release on Friday, the organization stated that Rideout is "in good health and in the custody of U.S. authorities." The New York Times first reported the release of the 50-year-old American, who had reportedly served as a missionary in Niger for 19 years and worked as a pilot for SIM International. Niger has been under military junta rule for three years and has faced persistent jihadist violence, with several abductions of Westerners occurring last year. It remains unclear which group held Rideout captive or where he was detained.

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I am happy to report that former hostage Kevin Rideout is getting ready to fly home to the USA after being reunited with his beautiful wife, Krista.