Altar servant arrested for masterminding kidnap of two Catholic priests in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old altar servant, Tahamado Demian, for allegedly orchestrating the abduction of two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese and Matthew Dusami of the Yola Diocese.

The arrest was confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Suleiman Nguroje, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday night.

According to him, Demian was apprehended in his hideout in Gwaida Malam village, a remote area between Numan and Demsa local government areas, following the successful rescue of the kidnapped priests.

Nguroje disclosed that the victims were rescued unharmed without any ransom being paid and are currently receiving medical attention. During the operation, police recovered a locally fabricated assault rifle, a handset, and multiple SIM cards linked to the crime.

“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,” Nguroje stated.

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The operation, which commenced on February 21, 2025, was part of the police’s efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts across the state. The breakthrough came when police arrested Demian, a member of the same church as the victims, for allegedly kidnapping the two priests.

“The planned operation successfully rescued the two Reverend Fathers unhurt, and no ransom was paid. The victims are now receiving medical care. The suspect has been taken into custody for further investigation,” he added.

The two priests were reportedly kidnapped on February 22 by gunmen who later demanded a ransom of N10 million from the church. However, their rescue was facilitated after Demian attempted to collect the ransom but abandoned it upon suspecting security operatives were closing in on him.

A security source, speaking anonymously, revealed that Demian fled, leaving behind his motorcycle, which served as crucial evidence.

“Upon suspecting that security operatives were around, he abandoned the ransom and ran away, leaving his motorcycle behind. Security operatives later traced the motorcycle to him. His house was then searched, and the two priests were found locked in a room and rescued,” the source disclosed.

The Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, expressed appreciation for the support received from the government, sister security agencies, and the public. He urged continued cooperation to enhance the state’s security.

He further assured that the suspect would face diligent prosecution, reinforcing the police command’s commitment to ensuring peace and security in Adamawa and beyond.