About two months prior to the kidnapping of Walton, IS-linked militants killed six French aid workers and their Niger guide while they were visiting a wildlife park near the capital Niamey.

[12] Additionally, American aid worker Jeffery Woodke was kidnapped from Abalak in October 2016, and was believed to have been held in Mali[13] before his release on 20 March 2023.

[13] The Nigerien Interior Ministry announced the incident via a statement read on national radio, which claimed that the kidnappers had searched Walton's home before fleeing with him.

[13] On 31 October 2020, operatives from the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, known as SEAL Team Six, rescued Philip Walton in a night-time raid that killed six of the seven gunmen.

[16] The Navy SEALs were flown to and out of the area via CV-22B and MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft, with one AC-130J Ghostrider gunship to provide air support.

"[23] White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany spoke on Fox & Friends about the rescue and stated that the president prioritizes the safety of American citizens.