Security operatives in Adamawa State, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have successfully rescued two Catholic priests who were kidnapped in Numan LGA. The operation, which involved the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes, led to the arrest of a suspect believed to be a member of the same Catholic church as the victims.

According to reports, the clergymen, Abraham Samman and Matthew Dusami, were abducted on February 21 in Gwaida Mallam community. The kidnappers later demanded a ransom for their release. Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, reported that security forces stormed the kidnappers’ hideout around 5 pm on March 8, rescuing the priests without any injuries.

Intelligence sources revealed that the operation was the culmination of weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. One of the suspected kidnappers, Tahamado Demian, managed to escape during the raid but was later apprehended by the Scorpion Squad in Jimeta later that evening. The rescued clergymen were taken to Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola for medical evaluation.

In a separate incident in Kano State, gunmen attacked a family in Zakirai village, Gabasawa LGA, abducting a 20-year-old man, injuring his brother, and robbing the household. The attack occurred at approximately 2:15 am when three armed assailants stormed the residence of Yusha’u Ma’aruf. During the assault, the attackers amputated the left finger of his 23-year-old son, Abubakar Yusha’u, and abducted another son, Mohammed Bello Yusha’u. They also stole mobile phones and an undisclosed sum of money before fleeing. Security operatives have launched a manhunt to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators.

Police spokesperson Suleiman Nguroje confirmed the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect in connection with the Adamawa kidnapping. The suspect was found with the priests, who were tied up. A locally fabricated gun, a mobile phone, and a sim card were recovered from the suspect. The priests are currently receiving medical attention, and the suspect is in custody.