Guards Brigade Rescues Retired General’s Wife, Arrests Two Kidnappers In Abuja

The Nigerian Army has rescued Mrs Adonkie, wife of retired Brigadier General Basil Adonkie, after she was abducted from her residence in Abuja.

The woman was reportedly kidnapped at about 10:30 p.m. on September 1, 2026, prompting troops of the Guards Brigade and Army Headquarters Garrison to immediately launch a coordinated pursuit operation.

Acting on credible intelligence, the troops advanced through the Aco Estate–Goza Community axis in the Federal Capital Territory and established contact with the kidnappers.

The Army said the pressure from the troops, combined with their rapid response and superior firepower, forced the criminals to abandon the victim and flee into nearby bushes.

Mrs Adonkie was subsequently rescued safely at Angwan Sabo Village. Following the rescue, troops intensified their operations across the surrounding area, while additional forces were deployed to block possible escape routes.

The operation continued along the Aco Estate–Angwan Sayawa axis as soldiers worked to prevent the fleeing kidnappers from escaping the area.

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

Two suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation. The troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and 19 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the suspects.

The Army said clearance and tracking operations were still ongoing across the area as efforts continued to locate and apprehend other members of the alleged kidnapping network.

The rescued woman has since been reunited with her family, while the two suspects remain in custody for profiling and further investigation.

The successful operation comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, where criminal groups have targeted residents for abduction and ransom.

The Army commended residents for their vigilance and cooperation, saying timely information from communities remains important in combating criminal activities.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven and coordinated operations with other security agencies.

The Guards Brigade said troops would sustain operations in the affected areas to prevent the remaining suspects from regrouping and to dismantle the kidnapping network today.