In brief
In a grim turn of events, retired Nigerian army Major General Rabe Abubakar—a former military spokesman—has been confirmed dead following a kidnapping in Katsina state. The abduction, which also seized his wife, occurred while they were traveling for a wedding, local media say. No group claimed responsibility, but the military said the death results from ongoing hostilities with regional “bandit” gangs. The case underscores the continuing instability in north‑west Nigeria, where kidnappings, cattle‑rustling and militant attacks are frequent. The armed forces paid tribute to Abubakar, calling his loss tragic and noting his wife’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar—a former spokesperson for Nigeria’s armed forces—has been confirmed dead after a kidnapping in Katsina state, the military announced on Tuesday. The 61‑year‑old officer was seized along with his wife and driver while traveling for a wedding, according to local reports.
No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction. The Nigerian armed forces said they awaited rescue operations before commenting publicly, but later confirmed that Abubakar’s death was a result of ongoing hostilities with “bandit” and other militant groups in the area.
The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in north‑west Nigeria, where criminal gangs routinely carry out ransom kidnappings, cattle‑rustling and attacks on rural communities. The military described the loss as “tragic,” praised Abubakar’s anti‑insurgency service, and noted that his wife’s whereabouts remain unknown.
