Jeff Woodke, a California missionary abducted in Niger in 2016, has described nearly seven years of beatings, drugging, isolation and captivity by armed militants. He was chained, held in desert conditions and confined in a tiny box for two months in an attempt to break him psychologically, highlighting the severe abuse suffered by hostages in the region.

Woodke was kidnapped from his home in Abalak by militants linked to JNIM, an al-Qaida-affiliated coalition, and was later sold between different brigades. He endured extreme heat, floods, poor food and declining health, eventually becoming unable to walk and contemplating suicide before his release in March 2023; US authorities said no ransom or concessions were made. He says family support has helped him rebuild his life and process the trauma.