Bandits Targeting Government Officials in Uniform for Ransom – Tsiga Recounts Ordeal
Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maharazu Tsiga, has revealed that bandits are deliberately targeting individuals in uniform, believing they have access to government funds.
Retired Brig. Gen. Tsiga, who was abducted on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tisga in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, shared his traumatic experience following his release after 56 days in captivity.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the handover of 19 rescued victims to their families, Tsiga disclosed that his kidnappers specifically sought him out, assuming he had financial backing from the government.
“They made claims that some of us are in uniform and that the government is always putting money for us to keep. That is why they targeted me and attempted to break into my house. When they failed, they resorted to using explosives to gain entry,” he recounted.
While in captivity, Tsiga and other hostages endured harrowing conditions, including limited food supply, exposure to wild animals, and being used as human shields during aerial attacks by security forces.
“A day before our release, while we were on the mountain, we saw hyenas surrounding us, searching for food. And what kind of food? Us, the human beings,” he narrated, adding that they frequently encountered snakes and scorpions as well.
He also described a near-death experience when a rocket attack by security forces failed to explode upon impact.
“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 said.
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According to Tsiga, the kidnappers had little regard for human life and feared only one thing: aircraft.
“They don’t fear God. They tell you not to call God for them, just give them money. But immediately they see aircraft, even their cows start running.”
The conditions in captivity were dire, with food provided only once a week. Tsiga, who is hypotensive, suffered severe health complications due to the diet forced upon them.
“I am hypotensive, and the only thing they could use was salt. Even if you are not a doctor, you know that there are foods people with hypertension should not eat. Now, look at me; I cannot climb these steps. It is all as a result of the salt and the beatings we endured.”
Emphasizing the need for a collective approach to tackling insecurity, Tsiga urged citizens to support security agencies with timely and accurate intelligence.
“We should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must contribute. Security is a collective responsibility,” he stressed.
Among those rescued alongside Tsiga was former Deputy Head of Mission in Pretoria, South Africa, Ambassador Gideon Yohana. He expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and security agencies for their efforts in securing their freedom.
“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 said.
The revelations from Tsiga highlight the growing trend of bandits targeting government officials and individuals in uniform, further underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures to combat this evolving threat.
By PRNigeria
