The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army have reportedly rescued Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina, who was kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents on June 1, 2025.
In a statement made available to the press 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 gratitude to security agencies for the successful rescue of the United States-based cleric.
Naijaonpoint understands that Father Afina, who served in Alaska, United States, from 2017 to 2024, was abducted alongside several other travellers on the Limankara-Gwoza road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Bakeni, while addressing journalists in Maiduguri on Tuesday, described the rescue operation as “a testament to the dedication of our security agencies.”
He said Father Afina and 10 women were freed on Monday following a coordinated operation by DSS operatives in Borno State, supported by troops of the Nigerian Army.
“We are grateful to the DSS and Nigerian Army for their bravery and professionalism. The Catholic community worldwide is overjoyed that Reverend Father Afina has returned safely after almost two months in the hands of insurgents,” Bishop Bakeni said.
Narrating the circumstances surrounding the abduction, the Bishop disclosed that Father Afina was on a journey from Mubi, Adamawa State, to Maiduguri, Borno State, when his convoy was ambushed at a military checkpoint.
“His vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. One person died in the attack, and Father Afina, along with others, was taken away,” Bakeni explained.
Father Afina’s international exposure, particularly his long pastoral work in the United States, drew global attention to his disappearance.
Many within the Catholic Church across North America and Africa called for urgent intervention, raising pressure on security forces to act swiftly.
His abduction, linked to suspected Boko Haram insurgents, underscored the continued vulnerability of clerics and civilians in the North-East region despite ongoing military operations.
Zamfara Operation Rescues 32 More Victims
In a related development, the DSS in Zamfara State, with the backing of Nigerian Army personnel, also rescued 32 kidnap victims last week in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Zamfara State command, the operation followed “actionable intelligence” and was executed without casualties.
The successful operations in Borno and Zamfara highlight renewed inter-agency collaboration in the fight against banditry and insurgency.
Commenting on the development, Bishop Bakeni used the opportunity to call on government at all levels to prioritise the safety of Nigerians, especially in conflict-prone regions.
“While we thank the security agencies, we urge them not to relent. The roads must be safe. Our people are still at risk, and many more remain in captivity,” he said.
He also appealed for psychosocial support for the rescued victims, especially the women who, he noted, may have endured severe trauma while in captivity.
Father Afina, though yet to make a public statement, is said to be receiving medical care and undergoing debriefing. Church authorities say plans are underway for him to return to his pastoral duties once cleared by health professionals.
Meanwhile, Bishop Bakeni assured the faithful that the Church would continue to pray for peace and stability in Nigeria.
“This incident reminds us that evil may endure for a while, but it will never triumph. We must remain united, vigilant, and prayerful,” he said.