Kidnapped Catholic Priest Regains Freedom in Borno as Military Rescues 10 Others
Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina, a Catholic priest abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on June 1, has regained his freedom, alongside 10 women also rescued in Borno State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped during a violent attack along the Gwoza–Ngwoche axis, a flashpoint area in the southern part of the state.
The assault, which also claimed the life of an NGO staff member, led to a coordinated response from security forces.
The Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, confirmed the release of the cleric on Tuesday.
“He was released yesterday (Monday),” Akeredolu said. “The incident occurred around the Gwoza–Ngwoche area, the same day an NGO worker was killed.”
He also noted that the Catholic Church had arranged immediate medical care for the priest.
“I was just informed that the Catholic body is taking him out of the state for essential care,” he added.
Although details remain sketchy, a security source told the media on condition of anonymity that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army jointly carried out the rescue operation.
“Ten women were rescued alive alongside the Reverend Father,” the source disclosed.
Efforts to get an official comment from the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
The rescue has sparked relief and cautious optimism in a region long plagued by insurgency, abductions, and attacks on both civilians and humanitarian workers.
