An American aid worker who was kidnapped in the West African nation of Niger more than six years ago has been released from custody, the Biden administration said Monday.Jeffrey Woodke was kidnapped from his home in Abalak, Niger, in October 2016 by men who ambushed and killed his guards and forced him at gunpoint into their truck, where he was driven north toward Mali’s border.A senior administration official who briefed reporters Monday on Woodke’s release described the action as the culmination of years of efforts but declined to say what exactly led to him being freed from captivity or where he is now.The official said no ransom was paid and no concession was made to captors.White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan posted an update about Woodke on Twitter Monday morning.”The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him,” Sullivan said in part. “I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom.”This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
An American aid worker who was kidnapped in the West African nation of Niger more than six years ago has been released from custody, the Biden administration said Monday.
Jeffrey Woodke was kidnapped from his home in Abalak, Niger, in October 2016 by men who ambushed and killed his guards and forced him at gunpoint into their truck, where he was driven north toward Mali’s border.
A senior administration official who briefed reporters Monday on Woodke’s release described the action as the culmination of years of efforts but declined to say what exactly led to him being freed from captivity or where he is now.
The official said no ransom was paid and no concession was made to captors.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan posted an update about Woodke on Twitter Monday morning.
“The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him,” Sullivan said in part. “I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom.”
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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
