The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old man, Tahamado Demian, for allegedly kidnapping two Catholic priests in the state. The victims, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman of the Jalingo Diocese and Matthew Dusami of the Yola Diocese, were abducted in February 2025 but have now been rescued unharmed by security operatives.
The police announced the arrest in a statement shared on social media by the command’s spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, on Saturday night. According to the statement, the rescue operation took place at a criminal hideout in Gwaida Malam village, an isolated area between Numan and Demsa Local Government Areas.
The statement revealed that police operatives, acting on intelligence, launched the rescue mission on February 21, 2025. The operation led to the arrest of Demian, who was identified as a member of the same church attended by the kidnapped priests. The victims were safely retrieved and are currently receiving medical attention.
Security agents also recovered a locally made assault rifle, a handset, and multiple SIM cards from the suspect. The police believe these items were used to facilitate the kidnapping.
A Coordinated Rescue Effort
In the official statement, the police detailed their strategy for rescuing the priests and apprehending the suspect. The command had been carrying out operations targeting criminal hideouts across the state, and the efforts eventually led them to the location where the priests were being held.
The police confirmed that no ransom was paid before the victims were released. This marks a significant success in the fight against kidnapping in the state, as criminals often demand huge ransoms for the release of their captives.
Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris commended the officers for their swift action and expressed appreciation for the support the police receive from the state government, security agencies, and members of the public. He called for continued cooperation to ensure quick responses to security threats.
Growing Concerns Over Clergy Kidnappings
The abduction of religious leaders has become a growing concern in Nigeria. In recent years, several Catholic priests, pastors, and imams have fallen victim to kidnappers, often targeted for ransom payments or as a means to spread fear among communities.
Adamawa State, like many other parts of Nigeria, has struggled with security challenges, including kidnappings, banditry, and communal conflicts. Religious leaders, especially those serving in rural areas, have been increasingly vulnerable to these threats. The latest incident once again raises concerns about the safety of clergy members and the need for improved security measures.
The Role of Insiders in Criminal Activities
A shocking aspect of this case is the alleged involvement of Demian, a church member, in the kidnapping of his own priests. Security experts have often warned about the role of insiders in facilitating criminal activities. In some cases, kidnappers rely on people close to their victims to provide information about their movements, routines, and financial status.
The arrest of Demian aligns with this trend, highlighting the possibility that criminals sometimes operate within religious and community groups, making it difficult to detect their activities until it is too late.
Government’s Response to Insecurity
The Nigerian government has repeatedly promised to tackle the rising cases of kidnappings and other violent crimes. However, many Nigerians remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these efforts. While security agencies have recorded successes, incidents like the abduction of the Adamawa priests show that more needs to be done.
One of the major challenges facing security forces is the vastness of Nigeria’s ungoverned spaces, where criminals establish hideouts. Remote areas like Gwaida Malam village provide perfect locations for kidnappers to operate without immediate detection. To address this problem, security analysts have called for more surveillance, increased intelligence gathering, and stronger community-police collaboration.
In response to the rising threat of kidnappings, some states have introduced anti-kidnapping laws, which impose heavy penalties on those found guilty. In Adamawa, authorities are expected to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of the suspect to serve as a deterrent to others.
The Impact on Religious Communities
The kidnapping of religious leaders has a deep psychological and emotional impact on communities. Churches and mosques are places of worship where people seek spiritual guidance and solace. When their leaders become victims of violent crimes, it creates fear and uncertainty among worshippers.
Many religious organizations have started taking extra precautions, including hiring private security personnel and restricting the movement of their leaders, especially in high-risk areas. However, these measures cannot fully eliminate the risk, as criminals continue to devise new strategies.
A Call for Stronger Security Measures
The rescue of Reverend Fathers Samman and Dusami is a positive development, but it also serves as a reminder that security challenges remain a major concern in Nigeria. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
Residents of Adamawa and other states have also been encouraged to support security agencies by providing useful information that can help prevent crimes before they occur. Without active community involvement, it will be difficult for law enforcement to tackle the growing security threats.
The Catholic Church, like many other religious institutions, has expressed concern over the safety of its priests and members. Church leaders have called on the government to prioritize security and ensure that those responsible for attacks on religious figures are brought to justice.
