LAGOS: A former Nigerian general and defence spokesman, who was kidnapped last month in the northwest of the country, has died in captivity, the military and state government said on Saturday.

Rabe Abubakar, a retired major general, and his wife were kidnapped about two weeks ago by suspected members of kidnapping-for-ransom gangs.

A security source said that Abubakar and his wife were snatched while travelling from his hometown of Matazu to a wedding in the state capital, Katsina, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) away when they were ambushed. In a statement, the Defence Headquarters announced Abubakar’s death “in captivity following his abduction”.

The Katsina state government confirmed the death from complications linked to diabetes and hypertension, saying “despite the relentless and concerted efforts ...to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy”.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2026