US-based Nigerian priest rescued from Boko Haram captivity

Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, John Bakeni, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army for the successful rescue of Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina, who was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on June 1, 2025.

Father Afina, who previously served as a priest in Alaska, USA, from 2017 to 2024, was kidnapped along the Liman Kara–Gwoza road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Reports indicated that he was abducted alongside several other travelers, though the exact number of victims was initially unclear.

Father Afina and 10 women were on Monday rescued by DSS operatives in the State. The operatives were supported by troops of the Nigerian Army.

Bishop Bakeni, who doubles as the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, commended the operatives who rescued the 11 persons unhurt.

According to the Bishop, the Catholic community worldwide was excited at news that Father Afina was rescued after nearly two months in the hands of insurgents.

According to the Bishop, Father Afina was travelling from Mubi, Adamawa State, to Maiduguri, when his vehicle was ambushed at a military checkpoint after a rocket-propelled grenade struck one of the vehicles in his convoy, killing one occupant.

Meanwhile, DSS officers in Zamfara State, also with support from troops of the Nigerian Army, last week rescued 32 kidnap victims in Shinkafi LGA of the state.