A Christian missionary has been released to U.S. custody after more than nine months of captivity following his kidnapping in Niger's capital city, President Donald Trump has announced.

"I am proud to announce that Kevin Rideout, a wonderful Christian Missionary, is back in United States Custody," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social channel on Aug 14, Politico reported.

Trump's announcement came on his personal propaganda channel.

Rideout had worked as a Christian missionary in the West Africa country of Niger linked to SIM International, an evangelical mission agency.

"He was kidnapped from outside his home in Niamey, Niger on the 21st of October, 2025," said SIM on its webpage. "Kevin is in good health in the care of U.S. officials."

He was returned to U.S. officials in "good health" and will soon reunite with his family, SIM said on Aug. 14 in a statement.

"Krista and the rest of Kevin's family are profoundly grateful for the prayers offered on their behalf by people around the world throughout his captivity, and in particular for the deep level of prayer and support offered by our SIM family," the Charlotte, South Carolina-based organization noted.

It was the second announcement in the week from the president regarding the release of an American held in a foreign country.

Trump wrote in Truth Socia, "Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you HOME. Glad to have helped!"

The U.S. president said Rideout was kidnapped by "Jihadi terrorists."

Earlier in the week on Aug. 11, Trump had announced that Russia freed Robert Gilman, an American English teacher and Marine Corps veteran, who had been held in the country for more than four years, while there were ongoing reports about his dire health.

Jihadist insurgents have plagued Niger and other neighboring countries in West Africa for many years.