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

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

According to an unnamed diplomat speaking with Reuters, Rideout, 50, was kidnapped outside his home in Niger’s capital of Niamey on October 21 by three armed individuals. No armed group claimed responsibility for the abduction.

Niger has long faced attacks from extremist groups linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State. The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a security alert following the incident, warning that American citizens remain at heightened risk of kidnapping throughout Niger, including in the capital city.

The nation is ruled by a military junta that took power in 2023 after deposing democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. This new administration has expelled Western partners, including the United States—which had soldiers stationed there—and formed a security and diplomatic alliance with Russia.

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