He might have had strong survival instincts. Maybe he knew how to stay calm under pressure, which is crucial in such dangerous situations. By not panicking, he could have avoided making rash decisions that could have put his life at risk.
Perhaps he was able to negotiate with his abductors. He could have used his communication skills to convince them that harming him would not be in their best interests. For example, he might have promised to provide some kind of assistance or information without actually doing so, just to buy time and ensure his safety.