Katsina, Nigeria (Running Africa) – Retired Nigerian Army officer Major General Rabe Abubakar has died while in captivity following his abduction in north-western Nigeria’s Katsina State, authorities confirmed, while his wife remains missing.

Abubakar, who served as the Nigerian military’s spokesperson between 2015 and 2017, was kidnapped alongside his wife and driver by armed gunmen on May 30, 2026, while travelling to attend a wedding.

Katsina State authorities said the 61-year-old died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure his release. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

The former military spokesman’s death has renewed concerns about Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis, particularly in the country’s north-west, where heavily armed criminal gangs frequently target travellers and communities for ransom.

Days before news of his death emerged, a video circulated online showing Abubakar visibly injured and seated alongside his wife and other captives. His wife remains unaccounted for, prompting renewed appeals from the family for authorities to intensify rescue operations.

Security agencies said they refrained from making public statements about the case earlier to avoid jeopardizing ongoing rescue efforts.

In a statement, the Nigerian military described Abubakar’s death as tragic and pledged to continue operations aimed at rescuing the remaining hostages and bringing those responsible to justice.

The incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria, where kidnappings and armed attacks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across several regions.