American missionary held captive by ISIS affiliate in Africa reunited with wife

American missionary Kevin Rideout, 50, was reunited with his wife after being held captive for over nine months in Africa. Rideout, who worked for Serving in Mission International, was abducted by three armed men outside his home in Niamey, Niger, on October 21, 2025. He was released into U.S. custody this week, with the FBI and other U.S. agencies involved in securing his freedom. While Rideout stated he was held by the Islamic State in Mali, U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed the group. President Donald Trump shared photos of Rideout and his wife, Krista, and announced they would visit the White House. Sebastian Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President, noted Rideout's gratitude, stating, "He wouldn't stop saying how grateful he is to President Trump."