Kidnapped Retired General Dies in Captivity

A retired Nigerian army general has died in captivity after being kidnapped by gunmen while traveling with his wife.

Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, a former high-profile military spokesman, was abducted last month in Katsina state in northwestern Nigeria, an area that has been ravaged by kidnappings, armed gangs and violent attacks.

Abubakar served as Nigeria’s military spokesman from 2015 to 2017. Local media reported he was 61.

The retired officer was reportedly on his way to a wedding on May 30 when armed men attacked his vehicle and seized him, his wife and their driver.

No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

His death underscores the worsening security crisis in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where criminal gangs known locally as “bandits” routinely carry out kidnappings for ransom, steal cattle and attack rural villages.

Katsina has been one of the states hit hardest by the violence. Militant jihadists have also operated in the region, adding another layer of fear for residents already living under the threat of armed attacks.

Days before Abubakar’s death was announced, a video circulating on social media appeared to show him in captivity. He was seen with an apparent injury to his left leg, sitting alongside his wife and other hostages.

The military said it had avoided commenting publicly on the kidnapping while efforts were underway to rescue those being held.

“In deference to ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies, the Armed Forces withheld public comment while every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” the military said in a statement.

The whereabouts and condition of Abubakar’s wife remain unclear.

A military spokesman said operations have now been intensified to find those responsible and dismantle “all terrorist networks threatening our nation.”

The military called Abubakar’s death “tragic” and offered condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.

Officials also praised his years of service, saying he made “immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations.”

“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel,” the statement said.