FEATURE: Badeh, Alkali, 8 Other Top Military Generals Killed, Abducted by Terrorists
FEATURE: Badeh, Alkali, 8 Other Top Military Generals Killed, Abducted by Terrorists
By MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi
Across Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, banditry has evolved from isolated incidents of cattle rustling and rural criminality into a sophisticated criminal enterprise driven by kidnapping for ransom, village raids, extortion, illegal taxation, and the mass displacement of communities.
Vast forest belts stretching across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kaduna states have provided safe havens for armed groups that frequently launch attacks on highways and remote settlements before retreating into difficult terrain.
According to a report by SBM Intelligence, no fewer than 4,722 people were kidnapped across Nigeria between July 2024 and June 2025, with approximately ₦2.57 billion paid in ransom despite total demands exceeding ₦48 billion. Reports also indicate that thousands of victims have been killed in kidnappers’ dens in recent years as government authorities continue to struggle with securing ungoverned spaces.
The security crisis has expanded beyond the North-West into parts of the North-Central region, where communities continue to grapple with farmer-herder conflicts, communal violence, armed banditry, and mass abductions. States such as Niger, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara, and parts of Kogi have witnessed repeated attacks on rural communities, including schools.
Over the years, kidnapping for ransom has emerged as one of the most lucrative criminal enterprises in Nigeria. What began as opportunistic attacks targeting wealthy individuals has evolved into a highly organised industry that preys on students, traditional rulers, politicians, clerics, businesspersons, security personnel, and ordinary citizens alike. Entire communities have become vulnerable to mass abductions, while schools and highways are increasingly viewed as soft targets by criminal gangs seeking financial gain.
The recent abduction of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), and his wife along the Katsina–Matazu axis of Katsina State has once again brought Nigeria’s worsening security crisis into sharp national focus. The incident, which reportedly occurred while the retired senior military officer was travelling to his hometown in Matazu Local Government Area, underscores the growing audacity of armed bandits and kidnappers operating across the North-West.
Particularly alarming is the increasing number of senior military officers and security veterans who have fallen victim to kidnapping, assassination, and violent attacks. Over the past eight years, since 2018, at least ten senior military officers have either been abducted or killed by bandits, terrorists, armed robbers, and other criminal elements across Nigeria.
These incidents serve as painful reminders that the country’s security challenges spare neither rank nor status, affecting those who once commanded troops as well as the citizens they swore to protect.
Against this backdrop, TimesNG reviews ten high-ranking military officers who became victims of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation—some paying ransom to regain their freedom, while others paid the ultimate price with their lives.
Major General Idris Alkali
Major General Mohammed Idris Alkali (retd.) served as Chief of Administration at the Army Headquarters in Abuja during his military career. He was declared missing on September 3, 2018, and was later found dead on October 31, 2018.
On September 2, 2018, unknown gunmen attacked a shopping complex in the Lafande community of Dura-Du District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing 11 people and injuring several others. The following day, angry youths staged protests and barricaded major roads.
General Alkali, who was travelling from Abuja to his farm in Bauchi State in his Toyota Corolla, passed through the area during the unrest. He was reportedly stopped by the protesters, identified himself as a military officer, and was subsequently attacked and killed. His phones, cash, and laptop were allegedly stolen.
Following extensive intelligence-led operations by the Nigerian Army, Alkali’s remains were recovered from an abandoned well in Guchwet, Shen, Jos South LGA, on October 31, 2018. He was buried at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja on November 3, 2018, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Several suspects were later arrested and handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.
Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh
Former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.), was killed by unidentified gunmen on December 18, 2018, along the Abuja–Keffi Expressway while returning from his farm. He was reportedly shot alongside his driver during the attack.
Badeh was appointed Chief of Air Staff by President Goodluck Jonathan in October 2012 before becoming Chief of Defence Staff in April 2014.
Prior to his death, he was facing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of diverting funds meant for military procurement—claims he consistently denied.
Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Maisaka
Retired Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Maisaka was murdered alongside his grandchild by gunmen who attacked his residence in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on November 8, 2021.
The retired officer had reportedly been recovering from a medical condition that left him paralysed for more than three years.
A former Director of Medical Training and Operations at Defence Headquarters, Maisaka was assassinated by unidentified gunmen in what shocked the military community.
Colonel Rabi’u Garba Yandoto
On January 1, 2023, suspected bandits abducted retired Army officer Colonel Rabi’u Garba Yandoto and his two children along the Gusau–Tsafe Road in Zamfara State.
The incident occurred in a region where armed groups had established extensive kidnapping networks and routinely targeted farmers, traditional rulers, civil servants, and residents.
The kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million for the release of the victims. Following negotiations, the demand was reportedly reduced. On January 10, 2023, Yandoto and his children regained their freedom after a ransom payment reportedly amounting to about ₦10 million.
Major General Richard Duru
Retired Major General Richard C. Duru was abducted in Owerri, Imo State, in September 2023.
He was kidnapped along Bishops’ Court, Area 7, Orji/Uratta, Owerri, while his black Mercedes-Benz GL 450 with registration number LND 826 NG was stolen by the attackers.
Despite reports that a ransom of $50,000 was paid for his freedom, Duru was later killed by his abductors.
According to the Imo State Police Command, the suspects were subsequently arrested by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following intelligence-led operations.
General Duru was widely known for advocating non-kinetic approaches to addressing separatist tensions in the South-East and consistently promoted dialogue as a pathway to peace.
Brigadier General Uwem Udokwere
Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere (retd.) was murdered on June 22, 2024, when armed robbers invaded his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate in the Lokogoma area of Abuja.
The attackers stabbed the retired general to death as he attempted to defend his family and escaped with his firearm and other valuables.
On June 24, 2024, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command paraded four suspects—Ibrahim Rabiu, Nafiu Jamil, Aliyu Abdullahi, and Mohammed Nuhu.
According to police findings, the suspects confessed to stabbing the retired officer after he confronted them during the attack.
The incident heightened concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly within residential estates occupied by senior government officials and retirees.
Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga
The abduction of former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), in February 2025 attracted widespread national attention.
Tsiga was kidnapped on February 5, 2025, in his hometown of Tsiga, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, alongside nine other residents.
The attackers reportedly killed one person during the operation.
Although his family reportedly paid ransom to facilitate his release, conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact amount demanded and eventually paid.
He was eventually freed on April 3, 2025, after spending 56 days in captivity.
Major Joe Ajayi
One of the most tragic cases involved retired Major Joe Ajayi.
Ajayi, 76, was reportedly abducted from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on May 21, 2025.
The Kogi State Police Command later confirmed that the retired officer died in captivity despite his family paying ₦10 million ransom for his release.
His body was recovered and deposited at the Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary before burial.
Colonel Joseph Ajanaku
In January 2026, retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku was abducted from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road in Plateau State.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded ₦200 million and threatened to kill him if military rescue operations continued.
However, security forces later switched to covert rescue operations and successfully rescued the retired officer around 5:30 p.m. on the same day at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis in Bassa Local Government Area.
Major General Rabe Abubakar
The most recent case involves Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), former Director of Defence Information and one-time spokesman of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
TimesNG gathered that the retired senior military officer and his wife were travelling through Matazu Local Government Area on May 30, 2026, when their vehicle was ambushed by heavily armed gunmen.
Security sources disclosed that the attackers intercepted the couple’s vehicle and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
According to the sources, the driver managed to escape despite sustaining gunshot wounds during the attack.
“The former Director of Defence Information and his wife were travelling in a red Peugeot 504 saloon car when they were waylaid by armed men along the route. The driver escaped with gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.” The source added.
The Katsina State Police Command also confirmed that the attackers opened fire during the ambush, forcing the injured driver to flee for safety.
Major General Abubakar remains one of the military’s most recognisable former spokespersons, having played a prominent role in communicating the Armed Forces’ counterinsurgency and national security operations during his years in service.
As of the time of filing this report, the retired general and his wife remain in captivity. Sources indicate that the kidnappers have established contact with the family and communicated conditions for their release, including demands reportedly linked to the release of some detained associates.
MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi is a Staff Writer at TimesNG.