Sister Suleen Tennyson was released from militant custody in Nigeria (Niger bordering Burkina Faso), then handed over to US authorities, a US official with knowledge of the situation said. Several US officials and Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy confirmed Tennyson’s identity. The exact circumstances of his release are currently unclear.
US Africa Command personnel “facilitated safe trading” of a US citizen, Lieutenant Commander, from terrorists. US Africa Command spokesman Timothy Pietrek told CNN in a statement. A State Department spokesman said the US would “soon be reunited with loved ones.”
Tennyson’s troupe, the Marianites of the Holy Cross, confirmed her release in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
The Marianites of the Holy Cross said in the post that Tennyson was held hostage for five months.
US Africa Command worked with “African and international partners” to secure Tennyson’s release, Pietrek said in the statement.
“The US Africa Command would like to thank all of our African and international partners who provided excellent cooperation over the months leading up to this recovery, in particular, the Government of Niger, who were instrumental to this effort,” Pietrek said in the statement.
The State Department confirmed Tennyson’s release and said the Biden administration would “continue to work aggressively” to free American citizens around the world “against their will”.
“We want the American people to know that their safety and security is our top priority, and the Biden administration will continue to act aggressively – using a variety of tools – until all Americans are treated unjustly against their will.” method is not brought home,” a State Department spokesman said.