The Nigerian Army has rescued the wife of retired Brigadier-General Basil Adonkie after a swift military operation foiled a kidnapping attempt in the Federal Capital Territory.
The victim, identified as Mrs Adonkie, was abducted from her residence at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, triggering an immediate search-and-rescue operation by troops attached to the Army Headquarters Garrison and other formations.
Following the alarm, soldiers launched a coordinated pursuit of the kidnappers across multiple routes, determined to prevent the gang from escaping with their captive.
Troops advancing through the ACO Estate–Goza Community axis eventually engaged the abductors. In the ensuing operation, soldiers successfully located and rescued Mrs Adonkie around Angwan-Sabo Village.
While the victim was being moved to safety, another team maintained pressure on the fleeing kidnappers along the ACO Estate–Angwan Sayawa axis.
The military operation continued into the early hours of Wednesday, September 2, with troops from the 176 Guards Battalion and 197 Special Forces Battalion deployed to strategic positions to cut off possible escape routes.
The pursuit paid off later in the day when troops made contact with suspected members of the gang around Gaube Village in Kuje Area Council at about 11:09 a.m.
Two suspected kidnappers were arrested during the encounter.
The troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from the suspects.
Mrs Adonkie was subsequently reunited with her family following the successful rescue.
The arrested suspects have been taken into military custody for profiling and further investigation. Authorities are expected to use intelligence obtained from them to identify and track other members of the kidnapping syndicate who remain at large.
Security operations have since been intensified around the affected communities as troops continue efforts to dismantle the criminal network and prevent further abductions.
The successful operation highlights the role of rapid military response, coordinated troop deployment and intelligence-driven operations in tackling kidnapping and other security threats within the FCT.
The Army said its troops remain focused and are sustaining operations until the remaining suspects are apprehended and security is further strengthened across the affected areas.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
