DSS, Army Rescue Abducted Catholic Priest, 42 Others in Joint Operation
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army, have successfully rescued Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina and 42 other kidnap victims from Boko Haram captivity.
Father Afina, along with 10 women, was freed on Monday during a joint operation in Borno State. The daring rescue followed weeks of intelligence gathering and strategic coordination between security forces.
The Catholic priest was abducted on June 1 along the Limankara–Gwoza Road in Gwoza local government area of Borno State. He was travelling from Mubi in Adamawa State to Maiduguri when his convoy came under attack. A rocket-propelled grenade struck one of the vehicles, killing an occupant and resulting in the abduction of the priest and several others.
Reverend Afina’s kidnapping sparked international concern, particularly within the global Catholic community. He had served as a missionary priest in Alaska, United States, from 2017 until earlier this year.
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Reacting to the development, Bishop John Bakeni of the Maiduguri Diocese—who also serves as the Borno State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)—commended the DSS and Army for their bravery and precision. He confirmed that the priest and the other rescued victims were freed without any ransom payment.
“The Catholic community around the world is relieved and overjoyed at the news of Father Afina’s safe return after nearly two months in captivity,” the Bishop stated.
In a separate operation in Zamfara State, DSS personnel—again with military support—rescued another 32 kidnap victims in Shinkafi Local Government Area. Among them were 27 women and five young boys who had spent between two to four months in the hands of their abductors.
Security sources confirmed that all rescued individuals have been handed over to the state government for medical attention and documentation.
These successful operations underscore ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s security agencies to dismantle terrorist and kidnap networks across the country.
By PRNigeria
