The rescue operation was for an American citizen known as Philip Walton who according to news sources was kidnapped in Niger on a town close to the Nigerian border and taken to Nigeria by the armed men.
It was reported that the men had asked him for money but after he was only able to offer them $40 USD, they forcefully took him hostage and moved him across the border into Nigeria.
US based social media handles reported that the hostage rescue operation in Northern Nigeria was successful, and that non of the soldiers who took part in the operation was injured, the assailants however lost their lives in the operation. It was alleged that the operation was carried out by the US Elite SEAL TEAM SIX and that the American Citizen, Philip Walton is on his way to being reunited with his family.