A retired Nigerian major general has died in captivity after being abducted by unknown assailants, the country’s Defense Headquarters announced on Saturday.
Major General Rabe Abubakar died while being held by his kidnappers despite efforts by security forces to secure his release. The Defense Headquarters said it had refrained from commenting publicly on the abduction while rescue operations were underway.
Abubakar was a well-known figure within Nigeria’s armed forces, having served as director of defense information and spokesperson for several military formations throughout his career. The military credited him with making significant contributions to counterinsurgency operations and the professional development of the armed forces.
On Sunday, a Defense Headquarters delegation led by Major General IM Abdullahi visited the late officer’s family in Katsina State, where a national flag was presented in recognition of his more than three decades of military service.
“Major General Abubakar served the Nigerian Army and the nation meritoriously for over three decades. His years of dedicated service and sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Abdullahi stated.
His death comes amid a wave of kidnappings across Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target civilians, officials, and security personnel. The West African state has long struggled with criminal gangs and extremist groups, which frequently hold people for ransom. The most active militant group in the region is Boko Haram.
Earlier this month, the Nigerian army said it had rescued 360 hostages, including women and children, from a Boko Haram enclave in the state of Borno following what it described as “weeks of painstaking intelligence preparation.” According to the military, the captives had been held in harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities in the region.
Separately, Nigerian troops announced on Sunday the arrest of a suspected interstate arms trafficker. Military officials identified the suspect as a dismissed police inspector allegedly linked to weapons supplies to groups involved in terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. Soldiers said they seized firearms and ammunition during the operation.