The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday said that it was military efforts alone and not payment of any ransom that secured the release of the former Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), who was abducted and held captive by kidnappers for 56 days in Katsina State.
Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Markus Kangye, said in a statement that rumours that ransom was raised through contributions from retired military Generals to secure the release of General Tsiga was unfounded and misleading.
General Kangye contrary to the rumours, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma were responsible for the successful Search and Rescue mission that eventually led to General Tsiga’s release.
According to the statement: “The former DG of NYSC was abducted in the early hours of 6 February 2025 in Tsiga, Kafur District of Bakori LGA. Troops of the 17 Brigade responded swiftly around 3am the same day, launching a pursuit with support from the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.
“Despite not making direct contact with Tsiga’s abductors during these raids, airstrikes on Dunya Hill believed to be where Tsiga was held disrupted the criminals and allowed some captives to flee. One such individual, Barau Garba, a local teacher who was abducted alongside Tsiga, was rescued and has since reunited with his family.”
The DHQ emphasized that the sustained offensive across Danmusa, Kankara, and Faskari LGAs helped maintain pressure on the abductors, eventually compelling them to abandon General Tsiga.
Condemned “the peddlers of the false story,” DHQ described it as an attempt to downplay the sacrifices made by troops on the frontlines.
“It is only fair to recognize the significant sacrifices made by these troops who have worked day and night, often at great risk to their own lives. The disparaging write-up is nothing but a calculated attempt to undermine military efforts in combating terrorism and banditry,” the statement added.
