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Catholic community lauds DSS, Army for rescuing kidnapped priest, 32 others in Zamfara
Catholic community lauds DSS, Army for rescuing kidnapped priest, 32 others in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Catholic community in Nigeria and beyond has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army for their successful rescue of Reverend Father Alphonsus Afina and several other kidnap victims held by Boko Haram insurgents and criminal gangs.
Zagazola Malama reports that Rev. Fr. Afina, a Nigerian priest who served in the Archdiocese of Anchorage in Alaska, U.S., from 2017 until 2024, was abducted on June 1, 2025, while traveling along the Liman Kara–Gwoza Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The priest, alongside 10 women, was rescued on Monday during a coordinated security operation by DSS operatives in Borno, with tactical support from troops of the Nigerian Army.
No ransom was paid for the release of the captives.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Most Rev. John Bakeni, hailed the professionalism, gallantry, and intelligence-led approach of the DSS and military forces involved in the operation.
Bakeni, who also serves as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, described the rescue as “a moment of profound relief and joy for the Church and all lovers of peace and justice.”
“The news of Fr. Afina’s rescue after nearly two months in captivity brought immense joy to the Catholic community, both in Nigeria and abroad,” Bakeni said.
He revealed that Fr. Afina was on his way from Mubi in Adamawa State to Maiduguri when insurgents ambushed his convoy near a military checkpoint. The attackers reportedly launched a rocket-propelled grenade at one of the vehicles, killing one passenger and abducting others.
The bishop called for continued collaboration between security agencies and communities to defeat insurgency and other threats to national peace.
Meanwhile, the DSS in Zamfara State, in a similar joint operation with Nigerian Army troops, rescued 32 kidnap victims from the Shinkafi axis of the state.
Security sources Zagazola that the victims, comprising 27 women and five boys, had spent between two and four months in captivity.
The victims were reportedly rescued from makeshift camps hidden in forested areas and were later handed over to the Zamfara State Government for medical attention and documentation.
The dual rescue operations reflect growing inter-agency cooperation in Nigeria’s ongoing war against terrorism and armed banditry.
Catholic community lauds DSS, Army for rescuing kidnapped priest, 32 others in Zamfara
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA foil bandits’ attack in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and Police Command in Katsina State, have foiled an attempted attack by armed bandits in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:35 p.m. following credible intelligence that armed bandits on motorcycles were heading towards Gora village.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and other security operatives, intercepted the bandits and engaged in a fierce gun duel.
The bandits fled in disarray under superior firepower. No casualty was recorded, and calm has since returned to the area,”said sources.
The sources added that aggressive patrols and clearance operations had been intensified to track down the fleeing criminals.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA foil bandits’ attack in Katsina
4 arrested over attack on Sokoto Deputy Governor’s convoy
By: Zagazola Makama
At least four persons have been arrested over an attack on the convoy of the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State who was returning from a condolence visit in Shagari Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the deputy governor had visited Shagari town to commiserate with victims displaced by recent bandits’ attacks on their villages when angry displaced persons attacked him.
“On his way back around 1 p.m., the convoy was obstructed by displaced persons who blocked the road and vandalised some vehicles in the entourage.
“Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, swiftly cleared the obstruction and restored order.
“Four suspects were arrested at the scene and transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for discreet investigation,” sources said.
The sources added that calm had since returned to the area, while security had been reinforced to forestall further disturbances.
4 arrested over attack on Sokoto Deputy Governor’s convoy
20 feared dead in Niger boat mishap
By: Zagazola Makama
Twenty persons, including the village head of Tungan-Sule in Malale District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger, have drowned in a boat mishap.
Sources said the tragedy occurred at about 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 2 when a locally made wooden boat carrying the victims capsized while on transit between Tungan-Sule and Toduga villages.
According to the sources, all the passengers were drowned before the arrival of the rescue team.
“The bodies were later recovered and buried at the riverbank according to traditional rites,” said the sources.
The sources said that police and local authorities had visited the community to commiserate with the families of the deceased.
20 feared dead in Niger boat mishap
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA foil bandits’ attack in Katsina
4 arrested over attack on Sokoto Deputy Governor’s convoy
20 feared dead in Niger boat mishap
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