by An American held hostage in West Africa for more than six years has been released, the Biden administration announced Monday.
Aid worker Jeff Woodke was last seen in Niger before his abduction in October 2016.
“I am pleased and relieved to see the release of American hostage Jeff Woodke after more than 6 years in captivity,” National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. said in a statement.
“The United States thanks Niger for helping to bring him home to all who miss and love him. I thank so many in our government who have worked tirelessly to secure his freedom.”
As of Monday morning, Woodke’s wife, Els Woodke, had not spoken to her released husband, but thanked everyone involved in securing his release.
“Els has yet to hear from Jeff, but has been told he is in good condition,” a statement from the family said.
“She has expressed her deep gratitude to the many people in governments and others around the world who have worked so hard to see this result. She praises God for answering the prayers of Christians everywhere who have prayed for this. result”.
Also on Monday French President Emmanuel Macron announced that journalist Olivier Dubois had been released after nearly two years in captivity in Africa.
Dubois disappeared in the northern Mali city of Gao in April 2021.
Macron thanked Niger for helping win Dubois’s freedom, but it was not immediately clear what role Mali’s West African neighbor played in freeing the hostages.
This is breaking news. Please check for updates.
matthew moschella , dania kalaji and Reuters contributed.
