Abductors Of Ex-NYSC DG Demand N250 Million Ransom As Military Launches Rescue Operation

By Hagxy Don 

A wave of tension has gripped Katsina State following the abduction of retired Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), alongside five others. The kidnapping occurred on the night of Wednesday, February 6, 2025, at his residence in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area.

Sources confirmed that the assailants, suspected to be armed bandits, stormed the community, shooting sporadically before whisking away General Tsiga and the others. In the process, two residents sustained injuries, while one of the attackers was accidentally shot dead by his own gang members.

The abductors have since contacted Tsiga’s family, demanding a staggering N250 million ransom for his release. This latest abduction adds to the growing insecurity in the North-West, where high-profile kidnappings and ransom demands have become alarmingly frequent.

In response, the Nigerian military has launched an aggressive search-and-rescue operation. Brigadier-General Babatunde Omopariola, the Commander of the 17 Brigade, is personally leading troops through the forested areas of Katsina State in a determined effort to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe return of Tsiga and the other victims.

Confirming the incident, the Katsina State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, assured the public that security forces are working in collaboration with sister agencies and relevant stakeholders. “We are intensifying our efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he stated.

General Tsiga, aged 67, served as the 14th Director-General of the NYSC, assuming the role in January 2009. Since his retirement, he has been engaged in large-scale farming in his hometown. His abduction has sparked widespread concern, with many residents reportedly relocating due to security fears.

As security agencies intensify their efforts, the nation watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution and the safe return of the retired military officer.