Army rescues retired general’s wife, arrests kidnappers in Abuja

"Clearance and tracking operations were ongoing across the affected communities to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal network." Army

The Nigerian Army has rescued the wife of a retired Brigadier General, Mrs Adonkie, from suspected kidnappers in the Federal Capital Territory, arresting two members of the alleged syndicate and recovering an AK-47 rifle.

Mrs Adonkie, wife of retired Brigadier General Basil Adonkie, was reportedly abducted from her residence in the FCT on September 1, 2026.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement, said troops of the Guards Brigade and Army Headquarters Garrison immediately launched a coordinated operation along suspected escape routes to locate the kidnappers and rescue the victim.

The troops, acting on credible intelligence, reportedly advanced through the Aco Estate–Goza Community axis, where they engaged the fleeing suspects.

According to the Army, the pressure mounted on the kidnappers forced them to abandon their victim and flee into nearby bushes.

Mrs Adonkie was subsequently rescued at Angwan Sabo Village, while troops intensified their pursuit of the suspects along the Aco Estate–Angwan Sayawa axis.

Additional troops were deployed to block possible escape routes and prevent the kidnappers from leaving the area.

In a follow-up operation on September 2, the troops intercepted two suspected members of the kidnapping gang near Gaube Village in the Kuje Area Council of the FCT.

The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 19 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The Army said clearance and tracking operations were ongoing across the affected communities to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal network.

It commended residents for their vigilance and cooperation and assured the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property.

The Army added that it would sustain intelligence-driven and joint operations with other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen security in Abuja and surrounding communities.