Borno State, Nigeria – The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina, a US-based Catholic priest who was kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on June 1, 2025.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, Most Rev. John Bakeni, expressed deep gratitude to the security agencies for what he described as “a testament to their bravery and professionalism.”
“The Catholic community worldwide is overjoyed that Reverend Father Afina has returned safely after almost two months in captivity,” Bishop Bakeni said while addressing journalists in Maiduguri.
Father Afina’s Abduction and Dramatic Rescue
Father Afina, who served in Alaska, United States, from 2017 to 2024, was abducted along with several other travelers on the Limankara–Gwoza road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to Bishop Bakeni, insurgents ambushed his convoy at a military checkpoint:
“His vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. Sadly, one person lost their life in the attack, and Father Afina, along with others, was taken hostage.”
After weeks of coordinated efforts, Father Afina and 10 women were freed on Monday following a joint rescue operation by DSS operatives supported by Nigerian Army troops in Borno State.
Father Afina’s long-standing pastoral service in the United States attracted global attention to his disappearance, prompting urgent appeals from the Catholic Church across North America and Africa.
Ongoing Insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East
The abduction highlighted the persistent threats faced by clerics and civilians in the North-East, despite sustained military operations against insurgents.
Bishop Bakeni emphasized the need for continued action:
“While we thank the security agencies, we urge them not to relent. Our roads must be safe, and many more Nigerians remain in captivity.”
He also appealed for psychosocial support for the rescued victims, particularly the women who may have endured severe trauma during captivity.
Zamfara Rescue Operation Saves 32 Kidnap Victims
In a related development, the DSS in Zamfara State, backed by Nigerian Army personnel, rescued 32 kidnap victims last week in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
The Zamfara State command confirmed that the operation was based on “actionable intelligence” and conducted without casualties.
These coordinated successes in Borno and Zamfara reflect a renewed spirit of inter-agency collaboration in tackling banditry and terrorism across the country.
Hope, Healing, and a Call for Unity
Father Afina is currently receiving medical care and undergoing debriefing. Church authorities have shared that plans are underway for him to resume his pastoral duties once cleared by health professionals.
Bishop Bakeni concluded with a message of hope:
“This incident reminds us that evil may endure for a while, but it will never triumph. We must remain united, vigilant, and prayerful for the peace and stability of our nation.”
