Bandits Used Captives as Human Shields to Evade Aerial Strikes – Ex-NYSC DG Tsiga
Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maharazu Tsiga, has revealed that bandits used him and other hostages as human shields to protect themselves from aerial bombardments by Nigerian military aircraft. Tsiga, who was held in captivity for 56 days, was freed on Wednesday along with other abductees.
Recounting his ordeal during a handover event for rescued victims in Abuja on Thursday, Tsiga described the desperate tactics of the kidnappers whenever they came under attack from security forces.
“Whenever they were being attacked, they brought us out so that the aircraft could target us instead. But you know, God is merciful,” he said.
Tsiga also recounted a chilling experience where a rocket fired at their location failed to detonate. The kidnappers, in a sinister move, placed the unexploded device beside him as he slept, hoping it would go off upon contact.
“They carried that rocket to where I was sleeping and hid it there so that immediately I woke up and touched it, it would explode. But God is merciful,” he recounted.
The former NYSC DG was abducted on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tisga in the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. He described the inhumane treatment the captives endured, including exposure to dangerous wildlife and extreme food deprivation.
“A day before I was released, we were surrounded by hyenas searching for food—human food. It was terrifying,” Tsiga said.
He also stated that snakes and scorpions were also a constant threat in the mountainous hideout of the kidnappers.
Speaking on the motives of the abductors, Tsiga disclosed that they specifically targeted individuals they believed had access to government funds.
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“They made claims that some of us are in uniform and that the government always keeps money for us. That is why they attempted to break into my house with explosives,” he stated.
According to him, the kidnappers feared military aircraft more than anything else.
“They don’t fear God. They tell you not to call on God for them—just give them money. But the moment they see aircraft, even their cows start running,” he said.
The ex-NYSC DG detailed the harsh living conditions in captivity, stating that hostages were fed only once a week and had to survive mainly on Tuwo Dawa. The prolonged hunger and maltreatment severely affected his health.
“I am hypotensive, and all they could provide me was salt. Even if you are not a doctor, you know that certain foods should be avoided in hypertension. Now look at me; I can barely climb these steps,” he lamented.
He called on Nigerians to actively support security efforts, emphasizing that tackling insecurity is a collective responsibility.
“We should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must contribute. Security is a collective responsibility,” he urged.
Former Deputy Head of Mission in Pretoria, South Africa, Ambassador Gideon Yohana, who was also among the rescued victims, expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and security agencies for their coordinated efforts in securing their release.
He commended improvements in security operations across several states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger, and acknowledged the challenges faced by security forces in the fight against banditry.
“We know that security forces are working quietly behind the scenes, and it is not an easy task. We also heard while in captivity about the rescue of a General. We thank God that he is also free now. The security agencies are continuing their work to ensure that our nation achieves lasting peace,” Yohana stated.
By PRNigeria
