Kidnapped Nigerian retired general dies in captivity
A retired Nigerian army major general who was kidnapped in the country's northwest has died while being held captive, the military has confirmed. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
Retired Nigerian army Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was kidnapped in the country's northwest, has died while in captivity, the military has said. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
Abubakar's abduction and death highlight the ongoing security challenges in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where criminal gangs known locally as "bandits" frequently carry out kidnappings for ransom, as well as cattle rustling and attacks on rural communities. Some militant jihadists have also operated in the region. A suspected militant camp in Sokoto state was the target of a US airstrike on 25 December last year.
Local media reported that the retired officer was heading to a wedding on 30 May when armed men attacked his vehicle and seized him, his wife, and their driver. Days before news of his death emerged, a video shared on social media appeared to show Abubakar in captivity with an apparent injury to his left leg alongside his wife and other hostages.
The military said it chose not to comment publicly on the abduction while efforts to free those in captivity were being made. "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 statement said.
The whereabouts and condition of Abubakar's wife remain unknown. But a military spokesman said that "ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation."
The military paid tribute to the major general, who local media reported was 61 when he died, describing the loss as "tragic" and offering condolences to his family and former colleagues. A statement said 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."
