Testimony of Nigerian priest, Father Alphonsus Afina, who spent 51 days in captivity and was freed on July 21, 2025.

MY EXPERIENCE OF CAPTIVITY I was driving from Mubi (Adamawa State, Nigeria) to Maiduguri (Borno State) for a JDPC workshop on June 1st, 2025, alongside 2 other staff who were attending the same workshop. 3 hours into the journey, shortly after the military checkpoint at Limankara, we ran into an explosive. Immediately after the explosive, …

Nigeria: Kidnapped priest, Father Alphonsus Afina, freed along with ten female hostages

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International joyfully announces the release of Father Alphonsus Afina, a priest of the Diocese of Maiduguri, Nigeria, who had been abducted on June 1, 2025 by armed militants and spent 51 days in captivity. His release, along with that of the ten women who were also held captive, …

Bishop calls for prayers as priest is kidnapped by jihadists in Nigeria

Father Alphonsus Afina was kidnapped on Sunday, June 1, in the Diocese of Maiduguri. The auxiliary bishop of Maiduguri, Nigeria, has called for urgent prayers for one of his priests who was kidnapped by jihadist terrorists. In a message sent to Aid to the Church in Need – International (ACN), Bishop John Bogna Bakeni said …

Maiduguri: “The situation is overwhelming,” says bishop

At least 50,000 Christians have been directly affected by the flooding in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, although the actual numbers could be far higher. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has committed to helping the local diocese and is requesting donations and prayers from its benefactors. The devastating floods that have affected the northeastern Nigerian …

Maiduguri, Nigeria-“Over 40% of the city is under water,” says bishop

Aid to the Church in Need has committed to helping the Diocese of Maiduguri, struck by terrible flooding, with the provision of food, sanitation, medicine, and shelter. The Catholic auxiliary bishop of Maiduguri, in Nigeria, has issued an appeal for prayer and help in the wake of devastating floods that are affecting the city in …

Nigeria: Aid to the Church in Need asks for prayers for those affected by flooding in Maiduguri

The Nigerian city of Maiduguri, known for having been the hub of Boko Haram activities, is currently grappling with a devastating flood that has engulfed major areas of the metropolis, including St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral. This catastrophic event is said to have been caused by damage to the Alau Dam, located a few kilometres from …