Niger kidnapping signals Salafi-jihadis’ growing influence in West Africa Those men put someone else’s life above their own, they do so selflessly….it’s an illustration of utter commitment.” “ Eric Oehlerich, a retired Navy SEAL, said, “Men in these top-tier special forces units train their entire adult lives to be ready when called upon, hostage rescue operations are inherently dangerous. And all Americans should be proud of them. The men and women of JSOC, and the CIA should be proud of what they did here. Any mistake could easily lead to the death of the hostage. Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense and retired CIA officer, said “These types of operations are some of the most difficult to execute. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also reacted on Twitter where he described the operation as “outstanding.” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany spoke on Fox & Friends about the rescue and stated that the president prioritizes the safety of American citizens. Special Forces” and added “ we got our young man back.” Trump also referenced the rescue at a campaign speech in Pennsylvania stating “The kidnappers wished they had never done it.” and “…we got our young man back.” US President Donald Trump hailed the operation and the rescue team on Twitter, where he said that the operation was a “big win for our very elite U.S. Officials from the US Department of Defense and US Department of State have not linked the kidnappers to any terrorist organization. Walton was rescued on 31 October 2020, in northern Nigeria. The country sent additional security reinforcements to the area and began efforts with the United States to secure the release of Walton.
The Nigerian Interior Ministry announced the incident via a statement read on national radio, which claimed that the kidnappers had searched Waltons home before fleeing with him. The kidnappers then demanded a US$1 million ransom from Walton’s father via a phone call. The kidnappers initially demanded money from Walton, but abducted him after he was only able to offer US$40. Walton was kidnapped by six men armed with Kalashnikovs, from his farm in Massalata in southern Niger in the early morning of 27 October 2020. His father lives in Birni-N’konni, and has lived in Niger for about 30 years. Philip Walton is an American citizen and the son of missionaries, who has lived in Massalata with his wife and child for two years. Additionally American aid worker Jeffery Woodke was kidnapped from Abalak in October 2016, and is believed to be held in Mali. About two months prior to the kidnapping of Walton, IS-linked militants killed six French aid workers and their Niger guide while they were visiting a wildlife park near the capital Niamey.
In 2020, Niger experienced a multitude of attacks by extremists linked to both Islamic State (IS) groups and Al-Qaeda. The hostage, 27-year-old Philip Walton, had been kidnapped in front of his family at his home in the village of Massalata in neighboring Niger on 26 October by armed gunmen, who intended to sell him to armed terrorist groups in the area. Hostage Rescue Operation In Nigeria: Here Are All The Assets That Took Part In The Raidĭuring the early hours of 31 October 2020, United States Navy SEALs from the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), parachuted from Air Force Special Operations aircraft, and conducted a successful rescue operation of an American hostage in northern Nigeria killing six of the seven captors.
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