On Friday, President Donald Trump introduced the discharge and return of Christian Missionary Kevin Rideout who was taken hostage in 2024 by Jihadi terrorists.
Rideout, who labored with SIM Worldwide (Serving in Mission), a worldwide evangelical group primarily based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He had been serving in Niger for about 19 years, primarily as a pilot flying passengers, tools, provides, help staff, and medical help throughout the area.
On October 21, 2025, he was abducted by three armed men exterior his dwelling in Niamey’s Plateau neighborhood and brought towards the western Tillaberi area, a identified hotspot for militant exercise involving teams linked to al-Qaeda associates and Islamic State-related factions.
Whereas no group publicly claimed accountability for the kidnapping, particular particulars about his actual captors or situations in the course of the greater than 9 months of captivity remained murky.
SIM International issued a statement confirming the discharge, expressing gratitude: “We’re grateful to substantiate that our good good friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Rideout, has been launched after over 9 months in captivity.”
“He was kidnapped from exterior his dwelling in Niamey, Niger on the twenty first of October, 2025.”
“Kevin is in good well being within the care of US officers. He’ll quickly be reunited with Krista, his kids, and his prolonged household.”
“Krista and the remainder of Kevin’s household are profoundly grateful for the prayers provided on their behalf by individuals world wide all through his captivity, and specifically for the deep degree of prayer and help provided by our SIM household.”
“We ask that you simply respect the privateness of the household whereas they reconnect after this time aside.”
“Please be part of us in giving because of the Lord for this extremely excellent news!”
President Trump additionally shared the information of Rideout’s launch on TruthSocial.
“I’m proud to announce that Kevin Rideout, a beautiful Christian Missionary, is again in United States Custody.”
“Kevin was kidnapped by Jihadi terrorists in West Africa — The epicenter of Islamist terrorism, the place there have been extra lethal assaults previously 12 months than wherever else on Earth.”
“Kevin, america of America seems ahead to welcoming you HOME. Glad to have helped! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
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