Retired Nigerian General Dies While Held by Kidnappers
A retired Nigerian army general who was abducted by armed men in the north-west of Nigeria has died while in captivity, according to a statement from the military.
Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, who served as the military spokesman from 2015 to 2017, was kidnapped alongside his wife last month during travel in Katsina state.
No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the kidnappings.
The abduction and subsequent death of Maj Gen Abubakar underscore the persistent security issues in north-west Nigeria, where criminal gangs, commonly referred to as "bandits," frequently engage in kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities.
Additionally, some militant jihadist groups have operated in the area. Notably, a suspected militant camp in Sokoto state was targeted by a US airstrike on 25 December of the previous year.
Katsina state has been among the regions most affected by this violence.
Local media reports indicate that on 30 May, Maj Gen Abubakar was en route to a wedding when armed assailants attacked his vehicle and abducted him, his wife, and their driver.
Days prior to the announcement of his death, a video circulated on social media appeared to show Abubakar in captivity. In the footage, he was seen with an apparent injury to his left leg, accompanied by his wife and other hostages.
The military stated that it refrained from making public comments about the abduction during ongoing efforts to secure the release of those held captive.
"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 current location and condition of Abubakar's wife remain unknown. However, a military spokesman noted that operations have been intensified to apprehend those responsible and dismantle terrorist networks threatening the nation.
"Ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation," the spokesman said.
The military paid tribute to the major general, who was reported by local media to be 61 years old at the time of his death, describing the loss as "tragic" and extending condolences to his family and former colleagues.
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 added.
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