US special forces rescue kidnapped American citizen in Nigeria
- Forces including Navy SEALs rescued Philip Walton, who was abducted from his home in southern Niger
- The 27-year-old is now at the US ambassador’s residence in Niamey
US special forces rescued an American citizen who had been kidnapped by armed men in an operation on Saturday in northern Nigeria that is believed to have killed several of his captors, US officials said.
Forces including Navy SEALs rescued 27-year-old Philip Walton, who had been abducted on Tuesday from his home in neighbouring southern Niger, two US officials said on condition of anonymity, adding that no American troops were hurt.
A diplomat source in Niger said Walton is now at the US ambassador’s residence in Niamey.
“Big win for our very elite US Special Forces today,” President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter.
“The United States is committed to the safe return of all US citizens taken captive,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
“We delivered on that commitment late last night in Nigeria, where some of our bravest and most skilled warriors rescued a US citizen,” he said.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Fox News that the Trump administration had over the years rescued 55 hostages in 24 countries.
The Pentagon confirmed the operation but did not provide the identity of the hostage.
Walton, who kept camels, sheep and poultry and grew mangoes near the border with Nigeria, was kidnapped by six men armed with AK-47 assault rifles who arrived on motorcycles at his home in southern Niger’s Massalata village early on Tuesday.
His wife, young daughter and brother were left behind.
Reuters has reported that the perpetrators appeared to be from the Fulani ethnic group, and that they spoke Hausa and some English. They demanded money and searched the family’s home before leaving with Walton.
Helmet-cam video stolen from dead US soldier shows Niger ambush
At least six foreign hostages are being held by Islamist insurgents in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Islamists have collected millions of dollars in ransom payments in recent years. The US government has frequently criticised other countries for paying.
