After Two Months in Captivity, Kidnapped Nigerian Catholic Priest Regains Freedom

Kaduna, 18 January, 2026 / 7:48 PM

Fr. Bobbo Paschal, who was abducted on 17 November 2025, when gunmen attacked St. Stephen Parish of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, has been released after spending two months in captivity, the Nigerian Metropolitan See has confirmed.

In a statement on behalf of the Local Ordinary, Archbishop Mathew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the Chancellor of Kaduna Archdiocese says Fr. Paschal was released “from the hands of his kidnappers today, 17 January 2026.”

Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel conveys “the profound gratitude” of Archbishop Ndagoso “to the security agencies for their tireless efforts, and to all people of goodwill for their prayers, support, and solidarity throughout this period of anxiety and uncertainty,”.

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

Boko Haram insurgency has been a major challenge in the country since 2009, a group that allegedly aims to turn Africa's most populous nation into an Islamic nation.

The insecurity situation in many other parts of the country has further been complicated by the involvement of the predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia.

The latest abduction of Fr. Paschal follows a series of other kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy in Africa’s most populous nation.

In July, three minor Seminarians were abducted during an armed attack on Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Auchi. All three endured months of torture despite pleas with abductors and the paying of ransoms.

Two of the Seminarians later regained their freedom, while the third died in captivity.

The U.S President, Donald Trump, recently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a move that the Vice-Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja, has said accords national leaders of the West African nation an opportunity for international collaboration rather than an act of hostility.

“Anyone who can support us with equipment and help our soldiers in their war against bandits should be encouraged. That is what Trump wants for our country,” Fr. Hyacinth Ichoku told ACI Africa on November 7, on the sidelines of the Veritas University’s 14th convocation lecture.