A special United States military force, with security assistance from Nigeria, stormed a kidnappers’ den at an undisclosed locality in the north, to rescue an American citizen held hostage.
The kidnap victim, Philip Walton, 27, was rescued alive in the early morning high-risk raid which resulted in the death of all but one of the seven-member gang, Checkout Magazine learnt.
Walton was seized from his farm in Massalata in southern Niger at about 1 am on Tuesday by AK-47 assault rifle wielding kidnappers.
Moments after the operation, President Donald Trump tweeted out his praise of the rescue mission.
“Big win for our very elite U.S. Special Forces today. Details to follow!” he wrote.
“U.S. forces conducted a hostage rescue operation during the early hours of 31 October in Northern Nigeria to recover an American citizen held hostage by a group of armed men,” said Pentagon chief spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman.
”This American citizen is safe and is now in the care of the U.S. Department of State. No U.S. military personnel were injured during the operation.
“We appreciate the support of our international partners in conducting this operation.”
