Nigerian Army rescues retired general’s wife less than 24hrs after abduction

The Nigerian Army has rescued Mrs Adonkie, wife of retired Brigadier General Basil Adonkie, less than 24 hours after she was abducted from her residence in the Federal Capital Territory.

This was contained in a press statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s official Facebook page on Thursday.

According to the statement, troops, acting on credible intelligence, advanced through the Aco Estate–Goza Community axis and made contact with the kidnappers.

The Army said the pressure mounted by the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim and flee into nearby bushes.

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

Mrs Adonkie was subsequently rescued at Angwan Sabo Village, while troops intensified their pursuit along the Aco Estate-Angwan Sayawa axis and deployed additional forces to block possible escape routes.

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

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

The Army said clearance and tracking operations were still ongoing across the area to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.

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

The Army also said it would continue to work with other security agencies to sustain intelligence-driven joint operations to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across the FCT and neighbouring areas.