Nigerian Army University Professor Dies in Boko Haram Captivity After Year-Long Ordeal
The academic community and security forces in Nigeria are in mourning following the tragic death of Professor Abubakar Mohammed El-Jummah, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Borno State. The respected professor has been confirmed dead while in the captivity of the Boko Haram terrorist group, ending a nearly year-long ordeal that began with his abduction in March 2025.
Abduction and Tragic Confirmation
According to security reports and family sources, Professor El-Jummah was abducted on March 3, 2025, while traveling from Biu to Maiduguri. The terrorists reportedly ambushed vehicles along the dangerous Damaturu-Buni Yadi-Biu road, a route that has seen numerous attacks by insurgent groups over the years. The professor had been missing since that fateful day, with his family and colleagues holding out hope for his safe return.
The devastating news of his death came directly from the insurgents themselves, who contacted the professor's family to inform them of his passing. A family member disclosed that "they said he felt sick and died after spending almost a year in captivity." The family was understandably devastated by the confirmation but immediately began making arrangements for traditional Islamic funeral rites.
Funeral Prayers Conducted in Absentia
In a poignant ceremony that reflected both religious tradition and profound loss, funeral prayers for Professor El-Jummah were conducted in absentia at approximately 2 PM on Thursday. The initial prayers took place at his family's residence, followed by a larger gathering at the Ngomari Old Airport Juma'at Mosque near his home. The solemn event attracted hundreds of mourners from the academic community, local residents, and sympathizers who came to pay their respects to the fallen scholar.
While the family expressed gratitude for the support received during this difficult period, many questions remain unanswered. Security analysts note that it remains unclear whether the insurgents had made any ransom demands before the professor's death, highlighting the complex and dangerous nature of such kidnappings in Nigeria's conflict zones.
Academic Community in Double Mourning
The tragedy of Professor El-Jummah's death comes amid another significant loss for Nigeria's intellectual community. Just one day earlier, on February 11, 2026, the nation learned of the passing of Professor Biodun Jeyifo, a renowned scholar, literary giant, and public intellectual who died of renal failure at age 80.
Professor Jeyifo, affectionately known as BJ, had celebrated his 80th birthday just over a month before his passing. His distinguished career included:
- First-class bachelor's and master's degrees in English from University of Ibadan
- Doctorate from New York University
- Honorary DLitt from Obafemi Awolowo University
- Senior professorships at Cornell and Harvard Universities
- Professor Emeritus status in African and African American Studies and Comparative Literature
The simultaneous loss of these two distinguished academics has created a profound sense of grief within Nigeria's educational institutions, with many noting the tragic contrast between Professor Jeyifo's celebrated life and Professor El-Jummah's violent end in captivity.
Security Implications and Ongoing Concerns
The death of a senior academic from a military university while in terrorist captivity raises serious questions about security in Nigeria's northeastern region. The Nigerian Army University in Biu was established specifically to enhance military education and research capabilities, making this incident particularly concerning for defense officials.
Security experts emphasize that the Damaturu-Buni Yadi-Biu road where the abduction occurred remains a dangerous corridor despite military operations against insurgent groups. The incident highlights the persistent threat faced by academics, humanitarian workers, and ordinary citizens traveling in conflict-affected areas of Borno State and neighboring regions.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Professor El-Jummah's death, the academic community is calling for enhanced security measures for educators working in vulnerable areas and renewed efforts to address the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria's northeast.
