Retired Nigerian General Dies in Captivity, Wife Kidnapped

A retired Nigerian general held by kidnappers for more than two weeks has died, his death prompting national mourning, condemnation of Nigeria's pervasive insecurity, and vows from authorities to bring his captors to justice. Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, died while in captivity. He was buried in his home state of Katsina on Saturday, June 13.

Abubakar, who served for more than three decades in the military, was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 while traveling along the Matazu-Katsina Road. A video emerged online on June 6 showing the couple in captivity, where the kidnappers demanded the release of three detained individuals and the return of livestock. In the footage, Abubakar's wife pleaded with state officials to meet the demands.

The Katsina State Government announced the retired general's death. Officials, including the state's Commissioner for Internal Security, stated that Abubakar died from complications related to pre-existing diabetes and hypertension during his captivity, attributing it to natural causes despite efforts to secure his release.

His body was later handed over by the kidnappers and laid to rest at the...