Nigeria's kidnapped ex-general dies in captivity

Rabe Abubakar, a retired major general, and his wife were kidnapped about two weeks ago by suspected members of kidnapping-for-ransom gangs.

A security source told AFP that Abubakar and his wife were snatched while travelling from his hometown of Matazu to a wedding in the state capital, Katsina, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) away when they were ambushed.

In a statement, the Defence Headquarters announced Abubakar's death "in captivity following his abduction".

The Katsina state government confirmed the death from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension, saying "despite the relentless and concerted efforts ...to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy".

Katsina is one of several states in northwestern and central Nigeria where criminal gangs, referred to locally as "bandits", kidnap travellers on highways, raid villages, abduct residents and loot homes before burning them.

Abubakar was Nigeria's defence spokesman between August 2015 and March 2017 before retiring.

He was the second retired military general to be kidnapped in Katsina state, where bandits have intensified attacks despite several state government-backed peace negotiations with communities.

In February 2025, Maharazu Tsiga, a retired brigadier general was abducted from his house, along with nine other residents.

He was held captive for 56 days before being released after his friends pooled money to pay a ransom, according to his friends.