Trump confirms Christian missionary captured by Jihadis back in U.S. custody

President Donald Trump on Friday announced that a Christian missionary captured by Islamic militants in Africa had been returned to U.S. custody and would soon return home.

"I am proud to announce that Kevin Rideout, a wonderful Christian Missionary, is back in United States Custody. Kevin was kidnapped by Jihadi terrorists in West Africa — The epicenter of Islamist terrorism, where there have been more deadly attacks in the past year than anywhere else on Earth," he posted on Truth Social. "Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you HOME. Glad to have helped!"

Rideout was kidnapped in Niger in October of 2025. No group ever claimed responsibility for his capture, NPR noted. The country is under the control of myriad jihadist military groups.

Niger is one of several nations in the Sahel region that have, in recent years, either succumbed to internal coups or power shifts that saw their governments demand the departure of French and American troops, which conducted counterterrorism operations in the region.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.