Nigerian Army University Professor D!es in Böko Haram Captivity, Nearly a Year After Abdûction

Professor Abubakar Mohammed El-Jummah, an academic with the Nigerian Army University Biu in Borno State, has died while in Boko Haram captivity.

The professor was abducted along the Damaturu–Biu Road on March 2, 2025. His family confirmed his passing in a statement on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, describing it as a moment of profound grief.

According to the family, Professor El-Jummah died in the early hours of Wednesday at approximately 2:45 a.m. following a brief illness, which they attributed to the severe conditions and hardship he endured during his nearly year-long captivity.

He has since been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic traditions.

A Salat al-Ghaib (funeral prayer in absentia) has been scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ngomari Old Airport Juma’at Mosque, located behind his residence in Maiduguri.

The deceased was remembered as a distinguished academic, a dedicated mentor, and a man of unwavering integrity, whose work in education and community development left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.

His death has been described as a monumental loss to his family, the University of Maiduguri academic community, and the broader Nigerian society.