Kidnapped: WA couple helping sick Africans

THE ELLIOTTS IN AFRICA

1972

Ken and Jocelyn Elliott, originally from Perth, move to Burkina Faso to set up medical clinic. Dr Elliott is only surgeon at 120-bed facility in Djibo in West African country's north

2016

January 15: Elliotts, now in their 80s, kidnapped by Islamic militants on same day of attack on hotel in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou that killed 28, including foreigners

January 19: Elliott family pleads for safe release of parents so they can continue to help those in need of their services

February 6: Al-Qaeda-linked group claims responsibility for kidnapping, aimed at obtaining release of captured fighters. Says it will free Mrs Elliott under public pressure and in line with guidance from al-Qaeda leaders not to involve women in war

February 7: Mrs Elliott is freed; Niger's president Mahamadou Issoufou presents her at news conference in Dosso and says authorities are intensifying efforts to secure Dr Elliott's release

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirms Mrs Elliott is free and thanks governments of Burkina Faso and Niger for their ongoing efforts

Elliott family grateful for mother's release and pleads for elderly father's freedom