The Adamawa State Police Command has apprehended a 34-year-old suspect, Tahamado Demian, in connection with the abduction 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 issued by the command’s spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday night.
According to the statement, the rescue operation took place at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, a remote area located between Numan and Demsa local government areas. The operation, which began on February 21, 2025, resulted in the arrest of Demian and the successful rescue of the two priests. The victims were found unharmed, and no ransom was paid. They are currently receiving medical attention.
During the operation, the police recovered a locally-made assault rifle, a mobile phone, and multiple SIM cards. The statement detailed that the suspect, Demian, is a member of the same church as the victims, adding a shocking twist to the case.
The statement further read, “In our commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring a safe environment in the state, the command conducted a coordinated rescue operation at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, a remote area linking parts of Numan and Demsa LGAs. The operation, launched on February 21, 2025, led to the arrest of Tahamado Jonathan Demian, a 34-year-old member of the same church as the victims, for the kidnapping of Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami of the Catholic Dioceses of Yola and Jalingo, respectively.”
It added, “The operation successfully rescued the two priests unhurt, and no ransom was paid. They are now receiving medical care. The suspect has been taken into custody for further investigation, which has so far led to the recovery of a locally fabricated assault rifle, two mobile phones, and several SIM cards.”
The Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, expressed appreciation for the support received from the state government, sister security agencies, and the public. He urged continued cooperation and collaboration to ensure prompt responses to emergencies. The police chief emphasized that through diligent prosecution of the suspect, peace and security would be maintained across the state and beyond.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Adamawa State Police Command to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.
