Advertisement

Philip Walton: US citizen freed from kidnappers in dramatic rescue operation by Navy SEALS in Nigeria

 (AP)
(AP)

US special forces have rescued an American citizen who was kidnapped by armed men in an operation on Saturday in northern Nigeria, US officials said.

Forces including Navy SEALs rescued 27-year-old Philip Walton, who had been abducted on Tuesday from his home in neighbouring Niger, two US officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity, adding that no US troops were hurt. Several of the captors are believed to have been killed in the mission.

A diplomat source in Niger said Mr Walton is now at the US ambassador's residence in Niamey.

"Big win for our very elite US Special Forces today," Donald Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told 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.

Read more

What has Donald Trump really done for the rust belt states?

Biden event cancelled as ‘armed’ Trump supporters target campaign bus

US electoral college: Who has the easier path to 270?