Nigeria's insecurity challenges have persisted for decades, shaping the political landscape since 2015. While hundreds of thousands of civilians and security personnel have lost their lives, retired generals—who should be enjoying retirement—have also been targeted. Some have been killed, tortured, harassed, or forced to pay ransom from their retirement savings. In some cases, they relied on donations from friends and loved ones to survive.
List of Retired Generals Affected by Insecurity
According to ThisDay, the following retired generals have been victims of insecurity:
Major General Rabe Abubakar
Abubakar, former director of defence information, was abducted along with his wife while traveling toward Katsina on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Their driver escaped with gunshot wounds and received hospital treatment. Abubakar headed the Defence Headquarters media arm from 2015 to 2017. As of this report, no update on his kidnapping has been released.
Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga
Tsiga, former director general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted in his hometown in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State along with nine civilians on February 2, 2026. Reports indicate that N60 million was paid as ransom, though some sources suggest the actual amount was three times higher.
Major General Idris Alkali
General Alkali was reportedly kidnapped and killed in 2018 while traveling between Abuja and Bauchi State. He was attacked on Jos Road by protesters, who stole his phone, laptop, and cash. His remains were found in October 2018 in an abandoned well in Guchwet, Shen, Jos South LGA of Plateau. The youths were protesting gunmen attacks in their community on September 2.
Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh
Badeh, former Chief of Defence Staff, was assassinated in December 2018 during an ambush while returning from his farm along the Abuja-Keffi Road. Before retirement, he led operations that killed several Boko Haram members.
Major General Richard Duru
Duru was abducted in September 2023, and no information about his whereabouts has emerged since. He served as security adviser to the Imo State governor before his abduction along Bishops Court, Area 7, Orji/Uratta, in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo.
Other Retired Generals Hit by Insecurity
- Major General Hassan Ahmed (July 15, 2021): Killed by gunmen on Lokoja-Abuja road.
- Major General Peter Ademokhai (April 9, 1994): Killed in an armed robbery attack in Edo.
- Major General Joseph Aondo (June 14, 2007): Killed in Abuja by gunmen.
- Major General Edet Akpan (January to February 2010): Held captive and later freed in Akwa Ibom.
- Major General Mohammed Shuwa (November 2, 2012): Killed by suspected Boko Haram members in Borno.
- Major General Peter Unuode (March 20, 2013): Kidnapped, blindfolded, and chained in Delta by gunmen.
- Brigadier General Umar Uwuigbe (September 20, 2011): Hacked to death in Badagry, Lagos.
- Brigadier General Sylvester K. Iruh (April 2012): Killed by suspected hoodlums at Berger Bridge, Lagos.
- Brigadier General Harold Udokwere (June 2024): Killed by armed robbers at his residence in Abuja.
- Colonel Samaila Inusa (March 2016): Killed by bandits on Abuja-Kaduna Road.
This list highlights the severe insecurity affecting even high-ranking retired military officers in Nigeria.
