The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old man, Tahamado Demian, for allegedly kidnapping two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese and Matthew Dusami of the Yola Diocese.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement by the spokesperson of the Adamawa State Police Command, Suleiman Nguroje, which was shared on X.com on Saturday night.
According to the statement, the police carried out a rescue mission on February 21, 2025, at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, a remote area between Numan and Demsa Local Government Areas.
Nguroje revealed that the two priests were rescued unharmed without any ransom paid and are currently receiving medical care.
“In a bid to ensure the protection of lives and property and maintain a safe and secure environment in the state, the command carried out a coordinated rescue operation at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, connecting Numan and Demsa LGAs,” the statement read.
“The operation, which started on February 21, 2025, led to the arrest of one Tahamado Jonathan Demian, 34 years old, a member of the same church as the victims, for the kidnapping of his two Reverend Fathers, Abraham Samman and Matthew Dusami, of the Catholic Dioceses of Yola and Jalingo, respectively.”
The police also recovered a locally-made assault rifle, a handset, and several SIM cards from the suspect.
Nguroje added, “The command’s planned operation successfully rescued the two Reverend Fathers unhurt, with no ransom paid. The victims are now receiving medical attention.”
He stated that the suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State, Dankombo Morris, praised the collaboration between the police, the government, and other security agencies. He also thanked the public for their support.
Morris urged the public to continue cooperating with security forces, assuring that the police would remain committed to ensuring peace and security across the state.
“Together, we will ensure peace and security across the state and beyond through the diligent prosecution of the suspect,” the statement concluded.
