An American aid worker kidnapped by militants in West Africa in 2016 has been released from captivity, the Biden administration said on Monday.
“I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Twitter.
“The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who’ve worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom,” Sullivan continued about Woodke, who spent 30 years as a humanitarian worker in Niger.
Woodke was kidnapped by from his home in Abalak, Niger, by armed men in October 2016 and was taken to neighboring Mali where his family believed he was being held by Islamic State terrorists.
The gunmen killed Woodke’s two guards before forcing him into a pickup truck.
His wife, Els Woodke, said in a statement posted on the “Bring Jeffery Woodke Home” website that she had been informed by the US government that her husband had been freed.
“Els has not yet heard from Jeff but she has been told he is in good condition,” a statement on the site…
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