The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old man, Tahamado Demian, in connection with the abduction of two Catholic priests; Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese and Matthew Dusami of the Yola Diocese.
The State Police Command’s Spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, revealed this in a statement shared on X on Saturday night.
He disclosed that the rescue operation took place at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, a remote location between Numan and Demsa local government areas.
According to the statement, security operatives launched the operation on February 21, 2025, leading to Demian’s arrest. The two priests were safely rescued without any ransom payment and are currently undergoing medical treatment.
During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered a locally made assault rifle, a mobile phone, and multiple SIM cards.
Nguroje stated, “In a bid to ensure protection of lives and property, a safe and secured environment in the state, the command carried out a coordinated rescue operation at a particular criminal hideout situated at a remote side of Gwaida Malam village connecting part of Numan and Demsa LGAs.
“These rescue operations commenced from 21st February, 2025, in various criminal hideouts within the state and it yielded positive results as one Tahamado Jonathan Demian 34 years old, a member of the same church with the victims, was arrested for kidnapping of his two Reverend fathers (Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami) of Catholic Dioceses of Yola and Jalingo respectively.
“The command’s planned operation had successfully rescued the two Reverend fathers unhurt and no dime is paid as ransom. The victims are now receiving medical attention.
“The suspect was apprehended and now taking into custody for discreet investigation. Investigation so far has led to the recovery of one locally fabricated assault rifle, two handsets, and SIM cards.”
Expressing appreciation for the support received from the government, security agencies, and members of the public, the Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, called for continued collaboration to enhance security efforts.
The statement further quoted Morris as saying, “The police boss added that together, we will ensure peace and security across the state and beyond through diligent prosecution of the suspect.”
