In Nigeria, a former military general has reportedly died while being held captive, according to local media outlets, quoting the country's military and state government.

Abubakar was kidnapped along with his wife in Katsina state around two weeks ago by gunmen from a suspected kidnapping-for-ransom gang, known locally as "bandits."

What government has said

The former defense spokesman died from complications relating diabetes and hypertension, according to a government statement issued by the Ministry for Internal Security and Home Affairs.

The statement said that "despite the relentless and concerted efforts ...to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy."

The AFP news agency cited a security source with information that Abubakar and his wife had been traveling to a wedding and were ambushed en route.

Nigerian daily Punch reported last week that the abductors of were demanding the release of three detained fighters and also the return livestock allegedly seized during security operations in order to release the kidnapped couple.

Nigeria's security challenge

Katsina is among several states in northwestern and central parts of Nigeria, where criminal gangs operate.

So-called bandits in Nigeria routinely raid villages, kidnap residents for ransom and burn homes after looting them.

Islamist extremist groups have also been plaguing remote parts of Nigeria.

Stock theft, kidnappings and extortion are frequently used as ways of funding the armed groups and law enforcement and security remain a challenge for Nigerian authorities.

In the latest attack, gunmen killed at least 17 farmers and wounded at least 13 others as they worked in their fields in northwestern Nigeria, according to a local official.

The attack took place on Friday in the town of Goron Namaye in Zamfara state.

In August last year, dozens of people were killed in Katsina state when gunmen stormed a mosque during an attack on a Muslim community.

Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez