Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), the former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has been freed after spending 56 days in captivity. His release comes following a harrowing ordeal that began on February 5, 2025, when he was abducted alongside nine other residents from his hometown in Bakori Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
The abduction of General Tsiga sent shockwaves through Katsina State, particularly within the community of Bakori, where the retired military officer had long been a respected figure. On that fateful day in February, Tsiga, a former high-ranking officer in the Nigerian Army, was taken by a group of armed kidnappers who raided his home and abducted him, along with other locals.
The kidnappers, believed to be part of a well-organized criminal gang operating in the region, immediately set demands for his release, and a tense period of negotiations began between the kidnappers and his family.
After several weeks of uncertainty, Tsiga’s family was eventually able to raise a substantial ransom to secure his release. However, despite the payment, the kidnappers continued to hold the retired general captive for an extended period, far beyond the typical timeframe for kidnappings of this nature.
There had been conflicting reports regarding the exact amount of the ransom that was paid. Initial reports suggested that the ransom was around N60 million, but further investigations revealed that the actual amount paid was much higher—three times the initial figure. According to a close family member, the ransom money was delivered to the kidnappers, but after receiving it, the criminals remained silent for an entire week, leaving the family in fear and uncertainty.
It was only after this long wait that the kidnappers contacted the family again. On March 11, 2025, they finally allowed Tsiga to speak with his family over the phone, confirming that he was still alive and in their custody. This call, according to a family source, was a critical moment in the ordeal, as it assured the family that Tsiga was still unharmed and that his release was being negotiated.
Despite the initial ransom payment, the kidnappers reportedly continued to demand more money from the family. However, the source revealed that no additional funds were provided, and negotiations were halted at that point.
As of now, the kidnappers are believed to be operating from Zamfara State, a region notorious for being a hotspot for criminal gangs and kidnapping activities. It is from this location that they reportedly planned to transport General Tsiga to Abuja for his eventual release.
In the end, after more than eight weeks of captivity, the family’s efforts and the substantial ransom they had paid ultimately led to Tsiga’s freedom. His release is being celebrated by his family and supporters, who have expressed relief that the former NYSC boss is finally safe. However, the disturbing rise in kidnapping activities across northern Nigeria continues to raise questions about the security situation in the region.
The abduction of General Tsiga is just one of many similar cases that have plagued northern Nigeria in recent years. Kidnapping for ransom has become a prevalent crime in the region, with both wealthy individuals and ordinary citizens falling victim to armed gangs seeking to make quick money. The problem has escalated in states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna, where criminal groups often operate with little fear of law enforcement.
The rise of these criminal gangs has caused widespread fear and anxiety among the residents of these states, many of whom are afraid to travel or even go about their daily lives due to the increasing threat of abduction. In many cases, victims are held for weeks or even months, while their families struggle to raise the necessary ransom money to secure their release.
For many victims, like General Tsiga, the experience of being kidnapped can be traumatic, and the psychological impact of such an ordeal can last long after they are freed. The ongoing problem of kidnapping for ransom in northern Nigeria has sparked a call for stronger action from both the federal and state governments to tackle the criminal gangs responsible.
The kidnapping and subsequent release of General Tsiga has garnered widespread attention, especially among those concerned about the growing security challenges in northern Nigeria. Many Nigerians have expressed relief that Tsiga is free, but there is also widespread anger over the rising tide of abductions, with many calling on the government to do more to combat the issue.
Some public figures have used the incident to highlight the need for better security measures, particularly in rural areas where kidnappers are often able to operate with relative impunity. The fact that Tsiga, a well-known and influential figure, was abducted has brought further attention to the problem, with many questioning how the country’s security forces are handling the issue.
A senior government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the growing influence of armed criminal gangs in the north. “This is not just an issue of high-profile individuals being targeted; it is a crisis that is affecting ordinary Nigerians who are vulnerable to these criminals. The government must act swiftly and decisively to address this growing security threat.”
As General Tsiga reunites with his family and loved ones, the focus now shifts to his recovery from the traumatic experience of being held captive. While his release is a moment of joy for his family, the psychological toll of such an event is something that cannot be easily forgotten.
Tsiga’s return also highlights the resilience of his family, who endured weeks of uncertainty and fear. They are now focused on ensuring that their loved one can recover from the ordeal and move forward with his life after such a harrowing experience.
