US president, Donald Trump, has hailed the “courageous soldiers” who rescued an American hostage in Nigeria on Saturday.

Philip Walton, 27, was seized by armed bandits on Monday, October 26.

Walton was moved to a location in northern Nigeria where he was held.

The Pentagon has confirmed that the operation was executed on Saturday.

Trump tweeted: “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!”