US citizen freed from West Africa after six years, says President Biden’s national security adviser

An American aid worker held hostage by terrorists in Niger for the last six years has been freed, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday.

“I’m gratified & relieved to see the release of UShostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity. The USthanks 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,” tweeted Sullivan.

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Transport facilityand the required support are now being given to Jeffery Woodke.

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“We are working closely with partners in the region and beyond to ensure safe transport and immediate access to the best medical and psychiatric support we can offer,” said a senior administration official while speaking to reporters on Monday. “Where exactly Jeff chooses to go will be a bit up to him," he added.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had visited Niger earlier this month.

“We have certainly been in touch with them about what a priority it is for us to secure the release of Americans like Jeff Woodke, and that’s something that the Secretary confirmed when he was out there,” said the official, adding that more details about the citizen's release will be shared by Niger.

The government of Niger was thanked by the official for its efforts in freeing the US citizen and the official confirmed that no ransom was paid by the US officials to the terrorists.

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“There was no direct negotiation here between the US government and the terrorist organisations, it is worth making that clear. Certainly, we did not pay a ransom a concession to a terrorist organisation here,” said the official.

“Emerging as our best line of effort among many that we have tried over the years was working to see what a very good and capable and thankfully willing partner in Niger was able to deliver in their own engagement,” he added.

Meanwhile, French journalist Olivier Dubois was also released along with Woodke. Dubois was kidnapped by militants in Mali in 2021.

In a press conference, Dubois said, "It's huge for me to be here today. I wasn't expecting it at all. I feel tired but I'm well."

(With inputs from agencies)

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