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, PRNigeria 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.
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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.