American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout, who had been held in Niger for about 10 months, has been released. In a video message, Rideout told his family that he was free and feeling well.
Rideout said he expected to see his family soon and thanked the Libyan army, special forces and everyone involved in taking him safely to Libya after his release. He also expressed his gratitude to forces in eastern Libya and Saddam Haftar, the deputy commander-in-chief.

Preparing to return to the United States
U.S. President Donald Trump said Rideout was preparing to fly to the United States after reuniting with his wife. Trump said Rideout would be the 110th American hostage released since he began his second term.
Trump had previously announced that Rideout had been transferred to the custody of U.S. authorities. Rideout was in good health and would meet his family soon.
Kidnapping in Niger
SIM International, a missionary organization, said Rideout was kidnapped outside his home in Niamey, the capital of Niger, on October 21, 2025. The organization also said Rideout was in the custody of U.S. officials and would be reunited with his family.
Rideout was held by an ISIS-linked group operating in Mali. Attacks by terrorist organizations in western Niger have worsened security problems, causing civilian deaths and displacement.