American missionary abducted in Niger returned to US custody

A motorcyclist rides along a street in Niamey, Niger, on June 18, 2026. | AP Photo

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An American Christian missionary was released to U.S. custody after over nine months of captivity after being kidnapped in Niger’s capital city, President Donald Trump confirmed Friday.

“I am proud to announce that Kevin Rideout, a wonderful Christian Missionary, is back in United States Custody,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

Rideout — who had worked as a Christian missionary in Niger as a part of the organization SIM International — was kidnapped back in October from outside his home in the West African country, according to SIM.

He was returned to U.S. officials in “good health” and will soon reunite with his family, the organization said Friday in a statement.

“Krista and the rest of Kevin’s family are profoundly grateful for the prayers offered on their behalf by people around the world throughout his captivity, and in particular for the deep level of prayer and support offered by our SIM family,” the Charlotte-based organization added.

This marks the second announcement this week from the president regarding the release of an American being held in a foreign country.

On Tuesday, Trump announced that Russia had freed Robert Gilman, an American English teacher and Marine Corps veteran, who had been detained in the country for more than four years, amid dire reports about his health.