News
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
JNIM terrorists clashes with rival factions in rare encounter in Nigeria’s Kebbi state
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected clash between rival terrorists factions has been reported in Kebbi State, raising fresh security concerns in the North-West region.
Sources said the incident occurred on April 4, when a group identified as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed it engaged a rival faction described as “Khawarij”.
The group alleged that one fighter was killed and another captured during the encounter, while three motorcycles and about N10 million were recovered.
However, the identity of the opposing group has yet to be independently verified.
Preliminary indications suggest the rival faction may be linked to Boko Haram or one of its splinter groups, though this remains subject to confirmation.
Security sources said the development could represent one of the first reported inter-jihadist clashes in the region.
JNIM terrorists clashes with rival factions in rare encounter in Nigeria’s Kebbi state
Troops foil mob attack, rescue suspected terrorist in Danmusa in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have foiled an attempt by a mob to lynch a suspected terrorist and burn down a police station in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on April 5, 2026, when troops deployed at Combat Team 1 in Danali village responded to a distress call from a Nigerian Police outpost in the area.
The police had reported that a large crowd attempted to set the station ablaze and attack personnel after a suspected terrorist was brought into custody.
Troops were immediately mobilised to the scene and successfully prevented further escalation of the situation, restoring order in the area.
During the intervention, police personnel reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the irate crowd, which led to injuries sustained by one civilian.
The injured victim was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Security sources said calm had since returned to the area, while troops continued to maintain presence to prevent a resurgence of violence and ensure stability.
Troops foil mob attack, rescue suspected terrorist in Danmusa in Katsina
Plateau: troops launch manhunt after armed robbery attack in Bassa LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have launched a manhunt for suspected armed robbers who attacked three civilians along the Jebbu–Miango–Rewienko road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:55 p.m. on April 5, 2026, when the victims were reportedly ambushed by armed men who dispossessed them of their motorcycles before fleeing the scene.
Troops of Sector 3 Operation Enduring Peace were immediately mobilised following the distress call but arrived after the attackers had escaped.
Efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further criminal activity.
Plateau: troops launch manhunt after armed robbery attack in Bassa LGA
JNIM terrorists clashes with rival factions in rare encounter in Nigeria’s Kebbi state
Troops foil mob attack, rescue suspected terrorist in Danmusa in Katsina
Plateau: troops launch manhunt after armed robbery attack in Bassa LGA
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