Security operatives rescue kidnapped reverend fathers in Adamawa

Security operatives have reportedly rescued two kidnapped reverend fathers in Adamawa state following a joint operation involving the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes.

The clergymen, identified as Abraham Samman and Matthew Dusami, were abducted on February 21 in Gwaida Mallam community, Numan LGA by gunmen who later demanded ransom.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the security forces stormed the kidnappers’ hideout at about 5pm on March 8, leading to the rescue of the victims without injury.

Intelligence sources quoted in the report noted that the operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering.

“After tracking the movements of the kidnappers, we identified their hideout in Gwaida Mallam Community and executed a carefully coordinated raid,” a source was quoted as saying.

Makama noted that during the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers, Tahamado Demian, who is a member of the same Catholic church in Numan as the victims, managed to escape.

However, he was later arrested by operatives of the Scorpion Squad in Jimeta at about 8:30pm on the same day.

The publication added that the rescued clergymen were taken to Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, for medical evaluation.

Makama said the anti-kidnapping unit has launched a discreet investigation to uncover more details about the criminal network behind the abduction.

It added that authorities have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down other accomplices and dismantle the kidnapping syndicate.

GUNMEN ATTACK FAMILY IN KANO

Gunmen attacked a family in Zakirai village, Gabasawa LGA of Kano state on Saturday, abducting a 20-year-old man, injuring his brother, and robbing the household.

Intelligence sources told Makama that the attack occurred at about 2:15am when three armed assailants wielding rifles and machetes stormed the residence of Yusha’u Ma’aruf.

Makama added that 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.

The publication noted that security operatives have launched a manhunt to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators.