Army rescues general’s wife, captures two in Abuja

The Nigerian Army has rescued the wife of retired Brigadier General Basil Adonkie, Mrs Adonkie, following her abduction from her Abuja residence, and arrested two suspected members of the kidnapping gang.

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

Mrs Adonkie was abducted on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, prompting troops from the Guards Brigade and Army Headquarters Garrison to launch a coordinated operation to track the kidnappers and secure her release.

The Army said troops, acting on intelligence, located the abductors along the Aco Estate–Goza Community axis and engaged them.

Faced with the troops’ response, the kidnappers abandoned their victim and escaped into the surrounding bushes.

Mrs Adonkie was later found and rescued at Angwan Sabo Village, while troops continued searching the area for the fleeing suspects.

In a follow-up operation the next day, soldiers intercepted two suspected members of the gang near Gaube Village in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspects were found with an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition, the Army said.

Troops have continued tracking and clearance operations in the area in an effort to locate other members of the gang.

The Army said it was working with other security agencies to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and strengthening security in Abuja and neighbouring areas.