Maharazu Tsiga, the former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on Thursday shared the harrowing experience he endured while in the captivity of kidnappers, describing it as a “hell” he barely survived. Tsiga, a retired brigadier general, recounted his 56 days in captivity and expressed profound gratitude to God for his safe return.
Mr. Tsiga, along with 18 other victims, was reunited with his family in Abuja by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The group had been freed from the clutches of kidnappers, having been held hostage since February 5, 2025, when Tsiga and nine other residents of his hometown, Tsiga, in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, were abducted.
The former NYSC DG, visibly emotional but composed, recounted the horrifying experiences he faced during his time in the kidnappers’ den. According to Tsiga, his survival was nothing short of a miracle, thanks to divine intervention.
Tsiga described the conditions of the kidnappers’ hideout as nightmarish. “The kind of food we were fed, the wild animals around us, the constant threat of death – all these were part of the torment we faced,” he said. The group was kept in a mountainous area, where they not only faced the danger of their captors but also the risk of being attacked by wild animals. Tsiga mentioned that hyenas were frequently spotted around their location, eyeing them as potential prey. “We just looked around, and we saw hyenas parading around us, trying to get their own food. And what food? We, the human beings,” he said.
Besides the threat posed by wild animals, Tsiga and the other victims were also subjected to inhumane conditions. “We had to deal with snakes and scorpions,” he recalled, adding that the environment was both physically and mentally taxing.
The former NYSC boss also shared the horror of being deliberately targeted by his captors. He explained that, due to his military rank, the kidnappers often singled him out, using him as a shield when they feared being attacked. “Whenever they were under threat, they would bring us out so the aircraft would target us. But you know, God is merciful,” Tsiga said.
One of the most chilling parts of Tsiga’s story was his near-death experience with an unexploded rocket. “One day, a rocket was sent to us. It did not explode. They took it, placed it where I was sleeping, so that the moment I touched it, it would go off,” he recounted. Tsiga believes the mercies of God were the only reason he survived this particular threat.
He described the emotional toll of knowing that death could come at any moment but expressed deep gratitude that he made it out alive. “That is why I said, God is merciful,” he added, shaking his head in disbelief at how close he had come to death.
Tsiga also spoke about the abysmal conditions in which the victims were kept, especially concerning the food they were given. The terrorists who held them captive were particularly harsh when it came to feeding the military personnel among the victims. “They told us that those of us who were in uniform were different because the government always put money aside to keep us,” Tsiga explained.
Despite these harsh conditions, he emphasized that the real fear of the kidnappers was not God, but rather military aircraft. “They feared military aircraft. They didn’t fear God. They only feared military aircraft,” he said. This admission sheds light on the ruthlessness and audacity of the kidnappers, who seemed more afraid of the Nigerian military’s might than any moral or religious constraint.
Now that he is free, Tsiga is calling on all Nigerians to unite in the fight against insecurity. Reflecting on his ordeal, he stressed that the fight for security should not rest solely with the government. “Security should be seen as a collective responsibility of all. We cannot just sit back and expect the government to handle everything alone. We must come together and act,” he urged.
Tsiga’s words are a powerful reminder of the insecurity that continues to plague Nigeria and the need for all citizens to actively participate in securing their communities. His story of survival, perseverance, and faith serves as both a personal testimony and a broader call to action for the nation.
The role of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in the safe release of Tsiga and the other victims was also highlighted. Ribadu, along with other security personnel, was instrumental in securing the victims’ release. He attended the reunion in Abuja, where he celebrated their safe return and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting insecurity in the country.
“Today is a day of celebration. We are grateful to God for the safe return of these victims,” Ribadu said during the event. He also reassured the public that the government would continue to strengthen its efforts in tackling the growing menace of kidnapping and insecurity across the country.
In a heartfelt moment, Tsiga expressed his deep appreciation for his family, friends, and fellow Nigerians who supported him and the other victims during their harrowing ordeal. He acknowledged that without the prayers and well-wishes of those who cared for them, their freedom might not have been possible.
“Only God knows what we went through. But today, we are alive. We thank God for this opportunity to live again,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Tsiga’s story is one of hope and survival against the odds. It is also a stark reminder of the challenges Nigerians face in the fight against kidnapping and insecurity. While the government has made efforts to combat these threats, it is clear that much more needs to be done.
Tsiga’s call for collective action is timely, as the nation continues to grapple with the growing threat of kidnappers and other criminals. The bravery and resilience shown by him and his fellow captives serve as an inspiration to all Nigerians to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to work together for the safety and security of their communities.
As Tsiga and the other victims reunite with their families, there is hope that their ordeal will inspire positive change in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insecurity.
