The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Most Rev. John Bakeni, has praised 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 in Borno State on June 1, 2025.
Fr. Afina, a former missionary in the Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska, served there from September 2017 to 2024 before returning to Nigeria. He was kidnapped while travelling along the Limankara–Gwoza road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The priest was abducted alongside several fellow travellers during the ambush, which occurred when a rocket-propelled grenade reportedly struck a vehicle in the convoy, resulting in the death of one person.
The DSS confirmed that Rev. Afina and 10 women were rescued on Monday in a coordinated operation in Borno State, with ground support from troops of the Nigerian Army. Authorities emphasised that no ransom was paid for the release of the captives.
Reacting to the news, Bishop Bakeni, who also chairs the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, said the rescue was met with widespread relief and joy within the global Catholic community.
“We are deeply grateful for the professionalism and bravery displayed by the DSS and the Nigerian Army,” Bakeni said. “The safe return of Father Afina after nearly two months in captivity is a testament to the commitment of our security agencies.”
In a separate operation last week, DSS operatives in Zamfara State, again supported by army personnel, rescued 32 individuals held hostage by suspected bandits in Shinkafi Local Government Area.
Security sources disclosed that the victims included 27 women and five young boys who had been held in captivity for between two and four months.
The rescued individuals were handed over to Zamfara State authorities for medical evaluation and documentation, the source added.
