The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested Tahamado Demian, 34, for the kidnapping of two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese and Matthew Dusami of the Yola Diocese.
This was revealed in a statement posted on X.com by the command’s spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, on Saturday night.
According to the statement, the rescue mission was carried out at a criminal hideaway in Gwaida Malam village, which is located in the isolated territory between Numan and Demsa local government areas. The operation, which began on February 21, 2025, resulted in Demian’s arrest.
According to the statement, the victims were retrieved unhurt and are now receiving medical attention.
The police operatives also recovered a locally fabricated assault rifle, a handset, and multiple SIM cards during the raid.
The statement read, “In a bid to ensure protection of lives and property, a safe and secure 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 on 21st February 2025 in various criminal hideouts within the state, and they yielded positive results as one Tahamado Jonathan Demian, 34 years old, a member of the same church, with the victims, was arrested for kidnapping his two Reverend fathers (Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami) of the Catholic Dioceses of Yola and Jalingo, respectively.
“The command’s planned operation had successfully rescued the two Reverend fathers unhurt, and no dime was paid as ransom. The victims are now receiving medical attention.
“The suspect was apprehended and is now being taken into custody for a discreet investigation. The 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 diligent prosecution of the suspect.”
