A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Alphonsus Adina, who was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State on June 1, 2025, has been freed.
Adina was kidnapped alongside several others during an attack in the Gwoza-Ngwoche axis of the state, where an aid worker was reportedly killed.
The Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, confirmed the priest’s release in a statement on Tuesday.
“Yes, Reverend Father Alphonsus was released yesterday (Monday). He was abducted during the June 1 attack along the Gwoza-Ngwoche route. We are thankful he is alive,” Apostle Akeredolu said.
Although details of the release were initially unclear, security sources disclosed that a joint operation involving operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army led to the rescue of Father Adina and ten women.
A military source, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the operation, said, “Ten women were rescued along with the priest. They are all alive and currently receiving care.”
As of the time of this report, information on the status of other victims kidnapped in the same incident remains sketchy.
“We are still awaiting updates on the others who were taken. For now, only the Reverend Father and some of the women have been accounted for,” Akeredolu added.