Army troops rescue retired general’s wife, arrest two kidnappers in Abuja

Army troops rescue retired general’s wife, arrest two kidnappers in Abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued Mrs Adonkie, wife of retired Brig.-Gen. Basil Adonkie, following a coordinated operation against her abductors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mrs Adonkie was reportedly kidnapped from her residence at about 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2026, prompting an immediate joint search-and-rescue operation by troops from the Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQ GAR) and other Army formations.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops mobilised rapidly and pursued the kidnappers along three fronts in an effort to prevent the abductors from escaping with the victim.

Troops of AHQ GAR advanced through the ACO Estate-Goza Community axis, where they made contact with the kidnappers.

During the operation, the troops successfully rescued Mrs Adonkie around Angwan-Sabo Village, while another group of troops continued the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers along the ACO Estate-Angwan Sayawa axis.

The operation continued into the early hours of Sept. 2, as a second group comprising troops of 176 Guards Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion was deployed to block and intercept the fleeing members of the kidnap syndicate.

At about 11:09 a.m. on Sept. 2, the troops made contact with the fleeing suspects along Gaube Village in Kuje Area Council.

The troops successfully intercepted and arrested two suspected kidnappers during the encounter.

They also recovered one AK-47 rifle and one AK-47 magazine loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The rescued victim was subsequently reunited with her family after the operation.

The two arrested suspects are currently in Army custody for profiling and further exploitation, with security personnel expected to use information obtained from them to track other members of the kidnap syndicate still at large.

The Army has also intensified operations in the affected areas to apprehend other suspected members of the criminal group and prevent further kidnapping activities.

The operation demonstrates the importance of rapid mobilisation, coordinated pursuit and intelligence-led action in responding to kidnapping incidents within the FCT.

The military said troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory as operations continue to apprehend the remaining suspects and strengthen security in the area.

Army troops rescue retired general’s wife, arrest two kidnappers in Abuja