The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old church member over the kidnapping of two Catholic priests, Rev. Fr. Abraham Samman and Rev. Fr. Matthew David Dusami of the Catholic Dioceses Yola and Jalingo respectively.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, March 8, 2025, said the suspect, Tahamado Jonathan Demian, was arrested following the rescue of the priests at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village.
According to the PPRO, the Reverend fathers were rescued unhurt and are currently receiving medical attention.
“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,” the statement read.
“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 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 now taken into custody for discreet investigation.
“Investigation so far has led to the recovery: (1) One locally fabricated Assault rifle. (2) Handset and sim cards.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Dankombo Morris, Psc (+), 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.”
