United States (US) President Donald Trump, has hailed the US Special Forces for the immense skill and precision they deployed to rescue an American citizen held hostage in northern Nigeria on Saturday.
Trump in a statement he issued, made available to reporters by the Public Affairs Division of the US Embassy in Abuja on Sunday, said the action is a warning to terrorists that they cannot kidnap any American with impunity.
Part of the statement read: “Last night, at my direction, the United States military conducted a successful operation to rescue an American hostage in Nigeria, kidnapped just 96 hours earlier. United States Special Forces executed a daring nighttime operation to rescue their fellow American with exceptional skill, precision, and bravery. No United States Service Members were harmed. The former hostage is currently in good health and has been reunited with his family.
“Securing the freedom of Americans held in captivity abroad has been a top national security priority of my Administration. Since the beginning of my Administration, we have rescued over 55 hostages and detainees in more than 24 countries.
“Today’s operation should serve as a stark warning to terrorists and criminal thugs who mistakenly believe they can kidnap Americans with impunity.”
The US Forces reportedly killed 6 of the 7 abductors and returned the hostage safely to his family.
