Catholic priest Boko Haram rescue: Nigerian Army and DSS rescue Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Afina and 10 women from captivity in Borno. No ransom paid.
In a remarkable display of coordination and courage,
operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued a Catholic priest abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
The daring operation, which took place on Monday, July 21, 2025, also led to the freedom of 10 women who had been held captive alongside the priest.
The Catholic priest, Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina, had been missing since June 1, 2025.
He was kidnapped while traveling along the treacherous Liman Kara–Gwoza Road in Gwoza Local Government Area.
His abduction had sparked waves of concern, both locally and internationally, especially among members of the Catholic community.
Ambushed on a Peace Mission
Fr. Afina was en route from Mubi in Adamawa State to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, when insurgents ambushed his convoy near a military checkpoint.
According to reports, the terrorists fired a rocket-propelled grenade at one of the vehicles,
killing a passenger instantly and abducting several others, including the priest.
What made this incident particularly alarming was that Fr. Afina had spent years in the United States, serving in the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska,
before returning to Nigeria in 2024 for missionary work.
His return was driven by a personal commitment to peacebuilding and pastoral care in conflict-ridden northern Nigeria.
How the Catholic Priest Boko Haram Rescue Unfolded
The successful rescue was the result of a meticulously planned, intelligence-led operation.
According to security sources, the DSS had tracked the movement of the terrorists for weeks before finally launching a coordinated strike with the support of the Nigerian Army.
No ransom was paid, and the mission was executed without any casualties on the part of the security forces or the captives.
The success has been widely celebrated, especially within religious circles.
Speaking on the operation, the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Most Rev. John Bakeni, praised the professionalism and gallantry of the joint security team.
“This rescue is a moment of profound relief and joy for the Church and all those who believe in peace, justice, and humanity,” he said.
Bishop Bakeni, who also serves as the Borno State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),
emphasized the need for continued collaboration between communities and security agencies to combat insurgency effectively.
A Beacon of Hope Amidst Despair
The rescue of Fr. Afina comes at a time when the nation is still grappling with the horror of frequent kidnappings, especially by insurgent groups and bandits.
For many Nigerians, the Catholic priest Boko Haram rescue symbolizes that with synergy, determination, and intelligence, even the most complex security threats can be tackled.
Interestingly, this rescue wasn’t an isolated incident. In a separate but equally successful operation,
the DSS and Nigerian Army freed 32 kidnap victims from Shinkafi, Zamfara State.
The victims, mostly women and young boys, had spent up to four months in captivity, surviving in makeshift camps hidden deep within the forests.
Moreover, the operation, according to sources familiar with the matter, was the result of weeks of surveillance and strategic planning
The rescued individuals have since been handed over to the Zamfara State Government for medical attention and documentation.
Faith, Force, and the Fight Against Terror
The Catholic priest Boko Haram rescue has reignited conversations about the role of faith-based leaders in conflict zones. Fr. Afina’s presence in Borno was not merely clerical; it was symbolic.
His mission was to offer spiritual healing, pastoral care, and most importantly, hope.
In communities ravaged by violence and fear, his message of peace was not just preached it was lived.
His abduction, therefore, felt like an attack on that very hope. But his release sends a powerful message:
the forces of good are still strong, and faith can prevail even in the face of terror.
Nigeria’s Security Forces Stepping Up
Over the past year, Nigeria’s security architecture has witnessed increasing inter-agency cooperation.
The Catholic priest Boko Haram rescue is a textbook example of what is possible when intelligence units, tactical teams, and local communities work hand in hand.
While challenges remain including porous borders, limited funding, and internal sabotage the momentum from these successful missions should not be lost.
Security analysts have called on the federal government to invest more in intelligence gathering and technology-driven operations.
Moreover, there’s a growing call for better rehabilitation programs for rescued victims.
Many, especially women and children, return with deep psychological scars that require more than just medical attention.
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The Road Ahead: Prayers and Policies
As Fr. Afina reunites with his family and prepares to return to his pastoral duties, many are reflecting on what this moment means for Nigeria’s fight against terror.
It’s a reminder that behind every headline is a human story a family praying, a church hoping, a nation watching.
Bishop Bakeni perhaps said it best: “Fr. Afina’s safe return is more than a military success; it is a spiritual victory.”
Going forward, the Catholic priest Boko Haram rescue should serve as a model for future operations.
Beyond the guns and tactics, it underscores the power of planning, community trust, and national resolve.
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