Insecurity Continues to Target Retired Generals

Despite decades of service and acts of gallantry, senior retired military officers are not immune to Nigeria’s growing security challenges. Sunday Ehigiator reports several unfortunate incidents involving abduction and the killing of high‑ranking former officers.

Nigeria’s political landscape has long been marked by ethnic tensions and the proliferation of militia groups, non‑state actors, bandits and terrorists. Their activities have increasingly undermined the safety of Nigerians.

While active soldiers continue to face danger on the frontlines, retired officers—supposedly enjoying a quieter life—have also fallen victim to violence. They are killed, tortured, harassed or forced to pay ransom from the limited resources they possess. In some cases, they rely on friends and family to survive. Below are some of the affected retired officers.

Major General Rabe Abubakar

Former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) and his wife were reportedly traveling toward Katsina on Saturday, May 30, 2026, when gunmen intercepted their vehicle in Matazu Local Government Area and took the retired officer and his wife to an unknown location. The driver escaped with gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment in hospital. Maj‑Gen Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information, the media arm of Defence Headquarters, between 2015 and 2017. During that time he was one of the military’s principal spokespersons and frequently briefed Nigerians on security operations across the country. At the time of this report, nothing has been heard from him.

Brigadier‑General Maharazu Tsiga

On February 5, 2025, the former Director‑General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier‑General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), was abducted from his hometown in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, along with nine other residents. After his family paid a ransom, the kidnappers held him captive for weeks. A close family member revealed that the kidnappers called for additional money, which was not provided. Conflicting reports exist about the ransom paid; some claim N60 million was paid, while others indicate the amount was three times higher. The retired general finally regained his freedom after 56 days in captivity.

Major General Idris Alkali

Major General Idris Alkali (rtd) was tragically abducted and killed in 2018 while traveling between Abuja and Bauchi State. It was reported that on September 2, 2018, unknown gunmen attacked a shopping complex in the Lafande community, Dura‑Du district, Jos‑South, Plateau State, killing 11 people and injuring several others. The following morning, youths in the area barricaded the roads in protest. As General Alkali was traveling in his Toyota Corolla from Abuja to Bauchi via the Jos road without his driver and orderly, the general was stopped by the protesting youths. After he introduced himself, he was attacked and killed by the protesters, while his phones, cash and laptop were stolen. His body was later found on October 31, 2018, in an abandoned well in Guchwet, Shen, Jos South.

Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh

A former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh (rtd), was assassinated in an ambush in December 2018. The retired officer was returning from his farm along the Abuja‑Keffi Road when gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. Shortly before his retirement, Badeh had led an operation that resulted in the killing of many Boko Haram members.

Major General Richard Duru

Since his abduction in September 2023, nothing has been heard about the whereabouts of Major General Richard Duru (rtd). Duru, who later served as the security adviser to the Imo State governor, was said to have been abducted along Bishops Court, Area 7 Orji/Uratta, Owerri North Local Government Area of the state, by gunmen who also seized his black Mercedes‑Benz GL 450 car (registration LND 826 NG). Duru, a member of the 33rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), was reportedly killed by the gunmen after they collected a ransom of $50,000 from his family. His body has not been found.

Major General Hassan Ahmed

Gunmen killed the former Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army, Major General Hassan Ahmed, on July 15, 2021. He was killed when his vehicle was attacked by gunmen while traveling along the Lokoja‑Abuja road. Until his death, he served as a director at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

Major General Peter Ademokhai

After being shot by armed robbers on April 9, 1994, Major General Peter Ademokhai (rtd), former GOC 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and ex‑member of the defunct Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), was abducted at Iguoriakhi, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, on April 23, 2009. He paid the ransom and was released after two days.

Major General Joseph Aondo

On June 14, 2007, Major General Joseph Aondo (rtd) was killed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He had been chairman of the political campaign group, Yar’Adua Associates. He was seized at the entrance to his house, driven five kilometres on the Kubwa expressway, and shot dead in his car.

Major General Edet Akpan

A former Commandant of the Nigerian Army Education Corps and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Edet Akpan (rtd), was kidnapped inside a church in his village, Iwok, in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, on January 31, 2010. He was held captive for five days and was freed on February 4.

Major General Mohammed Shuwa

On November 2, 2012, former General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed Shuwa (rtd), who was also Federal Minister of Trade (1975–1979), was shot dead at his home in Maiduguri, Borno State, by suspected Boko Haram gunmen. He was 73.

Major General Peter Unuode

On March 20, 2013, Major General Peter Unuode (rtd), aged 67, and CEO of Bayam Security Guards Limited, was kidnapped in Ekiugbo, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. He was blindfolded, chained to a chair, and tortured. Kidnappers initially demanded N50 million, later reducing it to N5 million. The general was freed after three days, but police said no ransom was paid.

Brigadier General Umar Uwuigbe

On September 20, 2011, Brigadier General Umar Uwuigbe (rtd) was hacked to death, and his wife seriously wounded by armed men who invaded their home in Iragon village, Badagry area of Lagos State. Police said the killers were from the Benin Republic, working on the general’s farmland.

Brigadier General Sylvester K. Iruh

In April 2012, Brigadier General Sylvester K. Iruh (rtd) was killed by suspected hoodlums at a “black spot” near the Berger Bridge on the outskirts of Lagos. His last posting was as Commandant, Army Records, Lokoja, and he retired in January 2009.

Brigadier General Harold Udokwere

A three‑man armed robbery gang killed the national chairman of the Retired Members of Nigerian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Harold Udokwere (rtd), in June 2024. The retired general was killed during an attack on his house in the Kubusa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to his wife, the robbers demanded jewellery and took his pistol. A house security guard reported seeing three robbers attempting to force themselves into the compound. Upon hearing the disturbance, Udokwere opened the door, came down from the top floor where his wife and two children were, and was immediately attacked and stabbed.

Colonel Samaila Inusa

Colonel Samaila Inusa was killed in Kaduna in March 2016. Investigation revealed that he was likely killed the same day he was kidnapped, as his body was found decomposing near Ajyaita village off the Eastern Bypass, Kaduna State. The abductors intercepted the officer’s personal car and later dropped off his wife before leaving with him along the Abuja‑Kaduna road.

The kidnapping and killing of military personnel, whether serving or retired, demonstrates that the country is severely affected by insecurity. Those who once felt safe behind walls and sirens now face a threat that knows no bounds. The bandits are no longer afraid; they are confident. It is time for the federal government to act decisively. A country where even generals are no longer safe poses a grave threat.