DSS, Army Rescue Abducted Catholic Priest and 42 Others
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina, a Catholic priest kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists on June 1, along with 42 other kidnap victims.
The rescue operations were carried out in two separate locations: Borno State and Zamfara State.Rescue Details:Borno State: Father Afina, who previously served as a priest in Alaska, United States, was rescued alongside 10 women by DSS operatives with the support of Nigerian Army troops.
The priest was kidnapped on his way from Mubi in Adamawa State to Maiduguri when his convoy was ambushed, resulting in one fatality. The rescue was executed without paying any ransom.
Zamfara State: In a separate operation, DSS officers and Nigerian Army troops rescued 32 kidnap victims, including 27 women and five young boys, who had spent between two to four months in captivity.
The victims were handed over to the Zamfara State Government for medical attention and documentation.
Reactions: Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, John Bakeni, commended the DSS and Nigerian Army for their bravery and professionalism, rescuing Father Afina and the other victims. He described the rescue as a moment of profound relief and joy for the Church and lovers of peace and justice. The bishop also called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities to defeat insurgency.
