American missionary to Niger freed six years after being kidnapped

An American missionary who was kidnapped in Niger 6 years ago was released today.

Christian pastor Jeffrey Woodke served in Niger for over 30 years, but was taken captive by Islamist militants in October 2016.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken thanked the government in Niger and American officials who worked to secure his release.

Woodke was released alongside French journalist Olivier Dubois who was kidnapped in Mali in 2021. Woodke’s wife said she’s praising God for “answering the prayers of Christians everywhere who have prayed for this outcome.”