In a major breakthrough against kidnapping and insurgency, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army have rescued Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina and 32 other kidnap victims in separate operations across Borno and Zamfara states.

Fr. Afina, a Nigerian Catholic priest who previously served in Anchorage, Alaska, was kidnapped on June 1, 2025, while travelling along the Liman Kara–Gwoza Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. He was ambushed by insurgents near a military checkpoint while en route from Mubi in Adamawa State to Maiduguri.

According to the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Most Rev. John Bakeni, one person was killed during the attack. However, Fr.

 Afina and 10 women were successfully rescued on Monday in a joint military operation. The Bishop, who also serves as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno, praised the efforts of the security agencies and called for continued community cooperation to combat insecurity.

In a separate but coordinated operation, 32 kidnap victims — including 27 women and 5 boys — were rescued from forest hideouts in the Shinkafi area of Zamfara State. The victims had reportedly been held captive for two to four months.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that no ransom was paid in either operation. The rescued victims in Zamfara have been handed over to the state government for medical care and proper documentation.

These rescues mark a significant success for Nigeria’s security forces in their continued fight against banditry and insurgency in the northern region.