Kidnapped in West Africa 7 years ago, Australian doctor Kenneth Elliott set free

New Delhi: An 88-year-old Australian doctor held captive in West Africa for more than seven years has been released, the Australian government said on Friday.

Kenneth Elliott, from the west coast city of Perth, was safe and well and had been reunited with his wife Jocelyn and their children, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.

Elliott and his wife were kidnapped by Islamic extremists in northern Burkina Faso in January 2016 near the border with Mali and Niger, where they were running a medical clinic. Jocelyn Elliott was released a month later.

Wong said the Australian government and the Elliott family have worked tirelessly toward Elliott's release. She did not detail the circumstances of his release.

"We wish to express our thanks to God and all who have continued to pray for us," Elliott's family said in a statement released by the minister's department.

"We express our relief that Dr. Elliott is free and thank the Australian government and all who have been involved over time to secure his release," the family statement said.

"At 88 years of age, and after many years away from home, Dr. Elliott now needs time and privacy to rest and rebuild strength," the family added. (AP)