 recovered victims who had been kidnapped){kind=link}
The police urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to help combat crime and safeguard lives and property
In separate operations in Adamawa and Bayelsa States, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) recovered victims who had been kidnapped, continuing its dedication to fighting organised crime and guaranteeing public safety.
An official statement issued on Monday by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated that the victims were rescued safely without the need for ransom.
A Special Assistant to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was abducted in Ayakoro Community, Ogbia Local Government Area, on March 7, 2025, according to Adejobi. The police freed him.
Part of the statement read, “Acting swiftly, security operatives restricted the movement of the kidnappers, exerting pressure that led to the safe release of Mr. Akari and another unidentified victim. The police confirmed that no ransom was paid in securing their freedom.
“In another breakthrough, police operatives successfully rescued two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami, who were kidnapped on February 21, 2025, in Adamawa State.
“Following intelligence-driven investigations, security operatives arrested one Tahamado Jonathan Demian, 34, a suspected accomplice believed to be a member of the same church as the victims. The operation led to the priests’ safe rescue on March 8, 2025.
“During the raid, police recovered a locally fabricated assault rifle, ammunition, a mobile handset, and several SIM cards. Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. The rescued priests are currently receiving medical attention.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers for their professionalism and bravery in carrying out the successful operations. He assured Nigerians of the Force’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks, rescue kidnapped victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The police urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to help combat crime and safeguard lives and property.”
IREPORT247NEW had earlier reported that the two religious leaders, who have been named as Reverend Fathers Matthew David Dusami and Abraham Samman, were abducted from their residence at a convent in Gweda Mallam, which is located in the Numan Local Government Area, on that day, February 22.
After tracing their whereabouts to the residence of Taledo Demiel, a faithful church worker who is suspected of being the mastermind behind the abduction, their ordeal took a drastic turn for the worst.
A residence that belonged to one of the altar workers of the Catholic Church was discovered on Saturday evening with the two priests of the Catholic Church who had been kidnapped in Adamawa State the previous week tied up inside.
A Roman Catholic priest is assisted by an altar servant who provides a variety of services to the priest when the priest is performing mass.
One the operatives told journalists that Taledo Demiel, an altar servant, plotted the kidnapping of the two priests and wanted N10 million in ransom.
it was discovered that Demiel had gone to a location in order to retrieve the N10 million ransom, but he had abandoned it and fled after becoming suspicious that he may be caught.
“Upon suspecting that there were security operatives around, he abandoned the ransom and ran away leaving his motorcycle behind as evidence.
“Security operatives took the motorcycle and it was identified as the altar servant’s own. Thereafter his house was forced open and the two priests were found locked up on a room and rescued.”