Timeline: Military officers killed, abducted

Before the abduction and death of retired Major General Rabe in kidnappers’ captivity, several senior and retired military officers had fallen victim to terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups across the country.

Senior officers involved in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East have also lost their lives in attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

Retired Major General Mohammed Idris Alkali, a former Chief of Administration at Army Headquarters, was declared missing on September 3, 2018, while travelling from Abuja to Bauchi State.

He was attacked during a violent protest in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Following weeks of military search operations, his remains were recovered from an abandoned well in October 2018. Several suspects were later arrested.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.), was shot dead by gunmen on December 18, 2018, along the Abuja–Keffi Expressway while returning from his farm. He was travelling with his driver when the attackers struck.

Retired Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Maisaka was killed alongside his grandchild when gunmen invaded his residence in Rigasa, Kaduna State, on November 8, 2021.

He was the former Director of Medical Training and Operations at Defence Headquarters.

Bandits abducted retired Colonel Rabi’u Garba Yandoto and his two children on the Gusau–Tsafe Road in Zamfara State on January 1, 2023.

The kidnappers initially demanded N50 million but reportedly accepted about N10 million after negotiations. The victims were released on January 10, 2023.

Retired Major General Richard C. Duru was kidnapped in Owerri, Imo State, in September 2023. His vehicle was stolen during the attack.

Despite reports that ransom was paid, he was later killed by his abductors. Police subsequently arrested suspects linked to the crime.

Retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was stabbed to death by armed robbers who invaded his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate, Lokogoma, Abuja, on June 22, 2024.

Police later arrested four suspects who allegedly confessed to the killing.

Former NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), was abducted on February 5, 2025, in Tsiga, Katsina State, alongside nine other residents.

He regained freedom on April 3, 2025, after spending 56 days in captivity.

Retired Major Joe Ajayi, 76, was abducted from his residence in Odo-Ape, Kogi State, on May 21, 2025. He died in captivity despite the payment of a reported N10 million ransom. His body was later recovered and buried.

In January 2026, retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku was abducted from his residence in Plateau State.

His kidnappers reportedly demanded N200 million and threatened to kill him. However, security forces rescued him the same day during a covert operation in Bassa Local Government Area.

Boko Haram terrorists killed the Brigade Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Borno State, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and 17 soldiers during an attack that occurred on the night of April 9, 2026.

The insurgents reportedly invaded the three military formations with heavy gunfire and explosives, killing at least 18 soldiers and officers, including the General, and leaving several others critically injured.

In January this year, ISWAP insurgents attacked the military base in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area in Borno State, killing the camp commander, a Major.

The officer was leading about 30 soldiers on a foot patrol when they encountered insurgents who had planted explosives along their route. The attack reportedly forced troops to temporarily abandon the base, although some later returned.

In early March 2026, Boko Haram terrorists attacked the military camp in Kukawa, Borno State.

The attackers launched the assault in the middle of the night, killing the camp commander, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Faruq.

The insurgents also reportedly burnt several military vehicles and carted away ammunition.

A commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel S.I. Iliyasu, in Konduga, Borno State, was reportedly killed in March 2026 during attacks on military formations by Boko Haram terrorists.

Another attack occurred at the military camp in Mayanti, Bama Local Government Area.

During the assault, insurgents reportedly killed the camp commander, Major U.I. Mairiga.

ISWAP later released a video claiming responsibility and alleging that many soldiers were killed during the overnight operation.

Daily Trust