The Adamawa State Police Command has successfully rescued two Catholic priests who were abducted in a coordinated operation targeting criminal hideouts in the state.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the operation was conducted at a remote criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, which connects Numan and Demsa Local Government Areas.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Tahamado Jonathan Demian, was arrested for allegedly kidnapping two reverend fathers—Abraham Samman of the Catholic Diocese of Yola and Matthew David Dusami of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo. Nguroje disclosed that Demian is a member of the same church as the victims.
“The Command’s planned operation successfully rescued the two Reverend Fathers unhurt, and no ransom was paid. The victims are currently receiving medical attention,” the statement read.
Nguroje further revealed that the suspect is now in police custody for a discreet investigation. The operation also led to the recovery of a locally fabricated assault rifle, a handset, and SIM cards.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, expressed gratitude for the support from the government, sister security agencies, and the public. He called for continued cooperation to enhance timely responses to security threats.
The rescue operation, which began on February 21, 2025, is part of the command’s broader efforts to combat criminal activities in the state.
