Americans on Friday celebrated the safe return of Kevin Rideout, a missionary pilot who had been held captive in Africa for nearly one year.

President Donald Trump addressed the development on social media with the statement: “Kevin, the United States of America looks forward to welcoming you HOME,” he added, “Glad to have helped!”

Rideout’s evangelical missionary organization, SIM International, announced that the 50-year-old pilot was “in good health in the care of U.S. officials” and would soon be reunited with his family.

The 50-year-old pilot was kidnapped outside his home in Niamey, Niger, on October 21 by three armed individuals, according to an unnamed diplomat. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.

Niger has long faced attacks from armed groups including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization.

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert following the kidnapping, warning that American citizens “remain at a heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.”

Niger is governed by a military junta that took power in 2023 after deposing the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum. This regime has expelled Western allies such as the United States—where it previously maintained troops—and instead forged a new security and diplomatic alliance with Russia.

In June, more than 30 people were killed when gunmen attacked Niamey’s main airport. The attack was the second incident at the airport this year, which serves as a strategic hub for the ruling military, housing its air force base and most of its drones and aircraft. It is also the headquarters of the regional alliance that brings together troops from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.