The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old suspect, Tahamado Demian, for the kidnapping of two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese and Matthew Dusami of the Yola Diocese.
This was disclosed in a statement that the command’s spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, shared on X.com on Saturday night.
The statement disclosed that the rescue mission took place at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, a remote area between Numan and Demsa local government areas. The operation, launched on February 21, 2025, led to Demian’s arrest at the point of collecting N10m ransom he demanded
According to the statement, the victims were rescued unharmed without any ransom paid and are currently receiving medical care.
The police also recovered a locally-fabricated assault rifle, a handset, and multiple SIM cards during the operation.
The statement read, “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 34years 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.
“The Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, expressed gratitude for the support the command is receiving from the government, sister security agencies and the public.
“He therefore encouraged them to sustain the cooperation and collaboration for timely response to emergency situations. The police boss added that together, we will ensure peace and security across the state and beyond through deligent prosecution of the suspect.”