Friday, April 17, 2026

Nigerian Army colonel kidnapped

SB Onifade ran into an ambush of bandits along Abuja-Kaduna Highway, the Gazette learnt.

• October 5, 2020
Defence spokesperson John Enenche
Defence spokesperson John Enenche [Photo Credit: The Guardian]

A Nigerian Army colonel has been abducted by bandits after running into an ambush along Abuja-Kaduna Highway, military sources have told Peoples Gazette.

SB Onifade was on a road trip at about 3:00 a.m. on September 27 when he was abducted. He has yet to be found and no arrests have been made in connection with the violence, which occurred near the Olam Farms axis of the crucial highway.

The officer was not in military uniform when he was kidnapped, military sources said.

The Gazette learnt that the development has sent panic through the Nigerian Army Headquarters, which promptly issued a warning to officers to be wary of road trips. 

Motorists have become increasingly fearful about using Abuja-Kaduna Highway amidst worsening exploits of kidnappers, whose number and intensity have failed to subside despite several interventions by security forces.

A spokesperson for the Nigerian Army did not immediately return requests seeking comments about Mr. Onifade’s abduction Monday afternoon.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

NDLEA and Police

States

Ogun: Police seek stronger collaboration with NDLEA to tackle drug abuse 

He made the appeal during a familiarisation visit to the NDLEA command in Abeokuta.

Governor Dapo Abiodun

States

Gov. Abiodun inaugurates 5.5-kilometre road in Abeokuta 

He said that the project is part of his administration’s efforts to improve road infrastructure.

INEC Photo (Credit: Punch Newspapers)

States

2027: INEC to conclude CVR second phase in Oyo on Friday

Mr Tella said this was in line with the commission’s CVR timetable.

Unknown gunmen

Hot news Home top

Gunmen kidnap UTME candidates, others in Benue

Mr Emenari, however, said one of the victims eventually escaped from the kidnappers.

Agriculture minister Abubakar Kyari

Economy

FG, investors partner to revive palm oil sector

He said the programme aims to achieve up to 500 million dollars in annual import savings. 

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa

Heading 4

Lagos remains top investment destination in Nigeria: Obasa

He urged the House to continue enacting policies that would ease business operations.