The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its fight against organized crime, particularly kidnapping, with successful rescue operations carried out in Bayelsa and Adamawa states.
The operations, which led to the safe rescue of multiple victims, were part of the Force’s ongoing efforts to enhance internal security and combat criminal activities across the country.
Kidnapped NDDC Official Rescued in Bayelsa
In Bayelsa State, police operatives swiftly responded to a distress call regarding the abduction of Mr. Loveday Akari, a Special Assistant to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The incident, according to reports, occurred on March 7, 2025, at Ayakoro Community in Ogbia Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, security operatives were alerted to the kidnapping. Acting decisively, a coordinated operation was launched, restricting the movement of the perpetrators.
This strategic intervention resulted in the safe rescue of Mr. Akari and another individual, both of whom were unharmed.
However, the police confirmed that no ransom was paid, attributing the successful rescue to sustained pressure from law enforcement agencies.
“On March 7th, 2025, at approximately 3:03 PM, a distress call was received reporting the kidnapping of Mr. Loveday Akari, SA to the MD of NDDC, at Ayakoro Community in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State. In a swift and decisive response, control measures were immediately activated to restrict the movement of the perpetrators.”
“A combined rescue operation was launched, resulting in the safe rescue of Mr. Akari and another individual, both unharmed and without any ransom payment, due to the sustained pressure exerted by the Police, with support from other security operatives,” he said.
Rescue of Kidnapped Priests in Adamawa
In a separate operation in Adamawa State, the police rescued two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami, who were abducted on February 21, 2025.
The extensive search efforts, which targeted suspected criminal hideouts, led to the arrest of a key suspect, 34-year-old Tahamado Jonathan Demian.
According to the statement, investigations revealed that Demian was a member of the same church as the victims and was allegedly involved in their abduction.
“These operations yielded positive results with the arrest of one Tahamado Jonathan Demian, 34 years old, suspected to be part of the same church as the victims, in connection with the kidnapping of two Reverend Fathers, Abraham Samman and Matthew David Dusami, of the Catholic Dioceses of Yola and Jalingo, respectively”, the statement revealed further.
However, following a meticulously planned operation, the two priests were rescued unharmed on March 8, 2025, according to the police report.
In addition, the police recovered a locally fabricated assault rifle, ammunition, a handset, and several SIM cards during the raid.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated further that the victims have since been taken to a hospital for medical evaluation, while security operatives continue efforts to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“The victims are currently receiving medical attention in a hospital. A locally fabricated assault rifle, some ammunition, and a handset and sim cards were recovered during the investigation, which is ongoing, along with intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the kidnapping gang”, he added.
IGP Commends Officers, Reaffirms Commitment to Security
However, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in both rescue missions for their bravery, professionalism, and commitment to protecting lives. He reiterated the Force’s unwavering determination to dismantle organized crime networks, prevent future kidnappings, and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to intelligence-led policing and proactive security interventions. We urge citizens to cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely and accurate information that can help in preventing crime and apprehending criminals,” the IGP stated.
