Ime Akpan
The director of defence information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau has disproved claims that senior military officers contributed money to secure the release of a former director general of the National Youth Service Corps NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd).
Recall that Tsiga was abducted on February 6, 2025, in Tsiga, Kafur District of Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State.
The kidnappers made a N400 million demand to release the retired general
Following the demand, Tsiga’s friends, family, former colleagues, serving and retired generals had to contribute the N400 million.
When he regained his freedom, Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi (retd.) said Tisga’s release was facilitated by generous financial contributions from fellow army generals, serving and retired military officers, and a wide spectrum of civilians.
In a note of appreciation shared on Facebook last Sunday, on behalf of Tsiga and his associates, Abdullahi detailed the community-driven effort that secured the retired general’s freedom.
“The moment we heard of General MI Tsiga’s kidnapping, myself and Major General LB Bunza started exchanging ideas towards the release of General Tsiga.
“On the 9th of February 2025, we decided to create a WhatsApp platform that we named simply “TSIGA.” The aim was to inform the general public of the unfolding situation, i.e., the abduction of General MI Tsiga.
“As days went by, and when the bandits made their demand of 400,000,000 naira as the ransom money they wanted before they released General MI Tsiga, we decided to solicit for donations on our TSIGA PLATFORM.
“The response was overwhelming. On this platform, we had over 300 members; made up of retired military officers, serving military officers, and civilians from all segments of our society, university lecturers, ambassadors, and businessmen. Donations came in pouring like ‘August Rains.’
“From 22 February 2025, when donations started coming in to 15 March 2025, the amount we received was indicative that yes, TOGETHER WE CAN.
“I want to therefore, on behalf of General MI Tsiga, family, friends, colleagues and associates, thank you all for your brotherly and sisterly expression of concern and contributions both financial, moral, and even spiritual in our collective efforts to make sure General MI Tsiga regained his freedom.
“Today, 4th April 2025 I have come to the end of my humble task. The task of keeping the general public informed of General MI Tsiga’s predicament. As I write this little write-up, I feel fulfilled as our collective efforts have finally yielded a very positive outcome i.e THE RELEASE of General MI Tsiga.”
However, the defence headquarters said Tsiga was rescued by military operation, contrary to what was being circulated on the social media.
He said the retired soldier was rescued through a search and rescue operation by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in North West “in addition to other non-kinetic efforts.”
Gusau said in a statement that days after the general and others were abducted, troops of 17 Brigade and the Air Force component of Operation Fansan Yamma were alerted and responded immediately to the situation at about 3am that same day.
“Although no direct contact was made with the abductors, the troops successfully pressured the criminals, who abandoned rustled animals and some captives in their hasty retreat. The troops nevertheless sustained the pursuit of the terrorists with unwavering determination, despite facing difficulties due to challenging terrain.
Gusau did not deny that the retired generals indeed raised the ransom to free their colleague.
He, however, said the narrative downplayed the efforts made by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma by embarking on a Search and Rescue Operation to secure the release of Mr Tsiga, a former director general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The defence spokesman said it may seem unproductive to engage with those who constantly criticise the military, especially those who have benefited from the same military.
He said it was essential to clarify the efforts undertaken by the troops that facilitated Tsiga’s release.
“It is important to note that the unfortunate abduction of the former DG of NYSC occurred in the wee hours of 6 February 2025, in Tsiga, Kafur District of Bakori Local Government Area in Katsina State.
“Immediately, troops of 17 Brigade were alerted, they responded to the situation around 0300 hours the same day and in a commendable show of professionalism, swiftly went on pursuit in conjunction with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.
“These combined efforts led to troops combing the assailants/bandits hideouts within Jeka, Areda, and Zango, all in Kankara Local Government Area, in search of the former director general.
“The operation extended to Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, Matallawa and Bakkai in Faskari Local Government Area.
“Although no direct contact was made with the abductors, the troops successfully pressured the criminals, who abandoned rustled animals and some captives in their hasty retreat.
“The troops nevertheless sustained the pursuit of the terrorists with unwavering determination, despite facing difficulties due to challenging terrain,” he said.
Gusau said the troops on 8 February intensified their manhunt for the abductors and conducted dawn attacks at Yankuzo and Gidan Dankaka in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara where terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero hibernates.
He added that subsequent air operations at Dunya Hill, a suspected bandit stronghold where Tsiga was held, disrupted the terrorists, leading to the escape of several captives.
According to him, the former NYSC director general was unable to escape due to health concerns.
“One of the captives, Barau Garba, a teacher at Government Secondary School in Tsiga and who was with General Tsiga was rescued by troops and he shared his experience via the attached video.
“Barau has since been reunited with his family in Tsiga town.
“In another instance, troops assaulted Pauwa Hills and Matallawa area of Kankara Local Government Area in search of Brig.-Gen. Tsiga.
“However, they were only able to rescue 84 kidnapped victims from the area without locating him.
“In the process, several terrorists/bandits were neutralised while three personnel sustained gunshot wounds,” he added.
The defence spokesman said that troops had since Tsiga’s abduction, remained relentless in their pursuit, conducting both air and ground operations, which he added, had kept pressure on the abductors.
According to him, it is only fair to recognise the significant sacrifices made by these troops who have worked day and night, often at great risk to their own lives in their search for the senior officer who was eventually freed on 2 April.
“The disparaging online is therefore nothing but presumably an act of mischief which is calculated to undermine the dedicated efforts of the military to eradicate terrorists/bandits and other criminal elements from the North West region.
“It is noteworthy to add that the military operations comprising both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies facilitated the rescue of General Tsiga as his life is invaluable and anything that needed to be done to ensure he was safe was adopted in ensuring a successful Search and Rescue effort.
“Troops will continue to support all efforts in ensuring peace and security across the country.
“The general public is therefore encouraged to continue supporting troops by providing credible intelligence to assist in this regard,” he said.
With Premium Times report
