The Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska, has received confirmation that Father Alphonsus Afina, a Nigerian priest abducted by Boko Haram militants on June 1, 2025, is alive and recovering from injuries sustained during his capture, a report on the website of Detroit Catholic said on Thursday.
Fr. Afina, who served in several Alaskan parishes from 2017 to 2024, was kidnapped in Borno State while travelling near Gwoza.According to Bishop John Bogma Bakeni of Maiduguri, the attack occurred when armed insurgents ambushed his convoy at a military checkpoint, using a rocket-propelled grenade that killed one person and injured others. It remains unclear whether Fr. Afina was specifically targeted.
Fr. Robert Fath, vicar general of the Diocese of Fairbanks, confirmed in an email to OSV News on July 16 that the diocese had received news “through unofficial channels” indicating that Fr. Afina remains in captivity but has made contact with his home diocese.
“He is recovering from wounds on his legs which were the result of being bound very tightly,” Detroit Catholic quoted Fr. Fath as stating. “He was allowed to speak to his diocese via phone once again to confirm he is still alive. “The Diocese of Maiduguri, where Fr. Afina was ordained in 2010, has asked the faithful to pray for his safe return. A novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help has been launched, while organisations such as Aid to the Church in Need continue efforts to support negotiations for his release. In early June, Bishop Steven J. Maekawa of Fairbanks led prayers and celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral for Fr. Afina, urging the faithful to turn to Christ in intercession.
“Much like the men who make a hole in the roof to lower their friend through it to bring him to Jesus, we are able to bring those in need to our Lord Jesus with our prayers,” the bishop wrote in a pastoral letter. Nigeria has seen a surge in abductions of clergy in recent years. A March 2025 report by Fides Agency noted that 145 priests have been kidnapped since 2015, with 11 killed and four still missing.
Fr. Fath urged continued prayer: “Please continue to pray for Fr. Alphonsus and all who suffer for the faith.
