Catholic Community Hails DSS, Military for Rescue of Abducted Priest and Others
The Catholic community in Nigeria and abroad is celebrating the successful rescue of Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina and several other kidnap victims, praising the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian military for their coordinated efforts. Father Afina, a Nigerian priest who served in the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska, was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents and criminal gangs on June 1, 2025.
Father Afina, along with 10 women, was rescued on Monday during a meticulously planned security operation led by DSS operatives in Borno, with crucial tactical support from Nigerian Army troops. The priest had been on his way from Mubi, Adamawa State, to Maiduguri when his convoy was ambushed near a military checkpoint in the Liman Kara–Gwoza Road area of Borno State. The attackers reportedly used a rocket-propelled grenade, which resulted in one fatality before the abductions.
“Moment of Profound Relief and Joy”
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Most Rev. John Bakeni, the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, lauded the security forces in a statement on Tuesday. He described the operation as a display of “professionalism, gallantry, and an intelligence-led approach.”
“The news of Fr. Afina’s rescue after nearly two months in captivity brought immense joy to the Catholic community, both in Nigeria and abroad,” Bishop Bakeni stated, calling it “a moment of profound relief and joy for the Church and all lovers of peace and justice.” He also urged continued collaboration between security agencies and local communities to combat insurgency and other threats to national peace.
Additional Rescue Operation in Zamfara
In a separate but equally vital operation, the DSS in Zamfara State, working in conjunction with Nigerian Army troops, successfully rescued 32 kidnap victims from the Shinkafi axis of the state. These victims were reportedly found in makeshift camps hidden within forested areas. Following their rescue, they were handed over to the Zamfara State Government for medical attention and proper documentation.
These dual rescue operations underscore the increasing effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and armed banditry, bringing hope to communities plagued by insecurity.
By PRNigeria
