A former Nigerian general and ex-defense spokesman, abducted last month in the northwest of the country, has died in captivity, the army and government of Katsina State announced on Saturday.

Many states in northwestern and central Nigeria are plagued by criminal gangs, referred to locally as "bandits," who abduct travelers on the roads, attack villages, kidnap residents, and loot houses before setting them on fire.

Rabe Abubakar, a retired general, and his wife were kidnapped about two weeks ago by suspected members of a gang specializing in kidnapping for ransom.

A security source told AFP that Abubakar and his wife were abducted as they left their hometown of Matazu to attend a wedding in the state capital, Katsina, located about 90 kilometers away.

In a statement, the Defense headquarters announced the death of Abubakar "in captivity following his abduction".

The Katsina State government confirmed the death, which resulted from complications related to diabetes and hypertension. "Despite relentless and concerted efforts (...) to ensure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy," the statement read.

General Abubakar served as Nigeria's Defence Spokesperson from August 2015 to March 2017, before retiring.

He is the second retired general to have been kidnapped in Katsina State, where bandits have intensified their attacks despite several peace negotiations led by the state government.

In February 2025, Maharazu Tsiga was kidnapped from his home, along with nine other residents. He was held captive for 56 days before being released after his friends pooled their money to pay a ransom, according to them.

AFP