Kevin Rideout released after Niger kidnapping

Kevin Rideout, a US missionary kidnapped in Niger last year, has been released and is back in United States custody, President Donald Trump said Friday.

SIM International, the Christian group Rideout worked for, had earlier relayed news of his release. The group said he had been kidnapped from outside his home in Niamey, Niger's capital, last October.

Trump said on Truth Social that Rideout was “back in United States Custody” and said he had been kidnapped by “Jihadi terrorists in West Africa,” without giving further details.

SIM International said Rideout was “in good health in the care of US officials” and would soon be reunited with family.

The New York Times, which first reported the release, said the 50-year-old American had worked as a missionary in Niger for 19 years and was a pilot for SIM International. The newspaper reported, citing an unidentified US official, that it was unclear which group held him at the end of his captivity because he may have been moved.

Niger has been governed by a military junta for three years and has faced jihadist violence and kidnappings of Westerners. After Rideout's kidnapping, the US State Department raised its travel advisory for Niger to its highest level, warning against travel because of crime, unrest, terrorism, health risks and kidnapping.