Troops rescue retired general’s wife hours after abduction from Abuja home, arrest two fleeing kidnappers

The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued the wife of a retired brigadier general who was abducted from her residence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the army said troops of the Guards Brigade and Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison immediately launched a coordinated pursuit operation after the woman, identified as Mrs Adonkie, wife of Basil Adonkie, was abducted on Tuesday, September 1.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the troops advanced through the Aco Estate–Goza Community axis and established contact with the kidnappers,” the statement reads.

“Overwhelmed by the troops’ rapid response and superior firepower, the criminals abandoned the victim and fled into nearby bushes, leading to the successful rescue of Mrs Adonkie at Angwan Sabo Village.

“The troops subsequently intensified the pursuit along the Aco Estate–Angwan Sayawa axis, while additional forces were deployed to block likely escape routes and prevent the criminals from evading capture.”

The army said during a follow-up operation on Wednesday, September 2, troops intercepted fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate near Gaube village in Kuje area council of the FCT.

It said two suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were also recovered.

The army added that troops have continued clearance and tracking operations across the area to apprehend the remaining suspects.