WASHINGTON – An American humanitarian employee who was kidnapped within the West African nation of Niger has been freed.
Jeffery Woodke was freed after six years of captivity, White Home Nationwide Safety Adviser Jake Sullivan introduced on Twitter.
“The U.S. thanks Niger for its assist in bringing him dwelling to all who miss & love him,” Sullivan wrote. “I thank so many throughout our authorities who’ve labored tirelessly towards securing his freedom.”
No different particulars of Woodke’s launch have been disclosed.
Woodke kidnapped from dwelling in Niger
A senior Biden administration official who briefed reporters Monday on situation of anonymity described the discharge because the fruits of years of efforts, however declined to say what precisely led to him being free of captivity or the place he’s now.
The official stated no ransom was paid and no concession was made to captors.
Woodke was kidnapped from his dwelling in Abalak, Niger, in October 2016 by males who ambushed and killed his guards and compelled him at gunpoint into their truck, the place he was pushed north towards Mali’s border. Although he was believed to have been kidnapped by a West African affiliate of the Islamic State, Woodke was considered in Africa’s huge Sahel area and held by JNIM, a West African affiliate of al-Qaida recognized.
Woodke had been doing humanitarian help work in Niger for greater than 30 years.
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Michael Collins covers the White Home. Comply with him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.
Contributing: The Related Press
