Trump applauds Special Force on rescue of abducted American in Nigeria

By Modupe Shodeinde

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has applauded the country’s Special Operations force for the rescue of an American citizen, Philip Walton, who was kidnapped in the Niger and held hostage in Nigeria.

It was reported that 27 year old American, Philip Watson, was kidnapped for ransom on Tuesday in the Masalata region in the Niger and rescued by a Naval Special Warfare group in the United States, addressed as SEAL Team Six.

Donald Trump took to his twitter handle on Saturday and commended the feat of the soldiers, “Last night, our country’s brave warriors rescued an American hostage in Nigeria.Our nation salutes the courageous soldiers behind the daring nighttime rescue operation and celebrates the safe return of yet another American citizen.” he tweeted.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, also commended the operation and reiterated on the dedication of the country towards the safety of its citizens.

“The United States is committed to the safe return of all U.S. citizens taken captive. We delivered on that commitment late last night in Nigeria, where some of our bravest and most skilled warriors rescued a U.S. citizen after a group of armed men took him hostage across the border in Niger,”

“Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our military, the support of our intelligence professionals, and our diplomatic efforts, the hostage will be reunited with his family. We will never abandon any American taken hostage.” he said

As reported by The Washington Post, Pentagon said US Navy SEAL Team Six led the overnight operation in northern Nigeria, where fighters loyal to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State had bases. It noted that none of the service members was injured in the raid.

The chief Pentagon spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman, said the U.S. forces conducted the operation during the early hours of 31 October.

“No U.S military personnel were injured during the operation. We appreciate the support of our international partners in conducting this operation,” he said in a state

Walton was reported to have been kidnapped on a farm in the Niger on October 26.