By Zara Maisango
KATSINA, Nigeria – April 2, 2025 – After enduring 56 harrowing days in the hands of kidnappers, retired Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has regained his freedom. The celebrated military officer was released on Tuesday, April 2, 2025, following his abduction on February 5, 2025, from his residence in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, marking a triumphant end to a prolonged ordeal that gripped the nation.
The abduction occurred in the early hours of February 5, when armed bandits stormed Tsiga’s hometown, seizing him along with nine other individuals. The kidnappers, operating in Nigeria’s northwest—a region plagued by rampant banditry—initially demanded a staggering ransom ranging between N250 million and N500 million. Sources close to the family revealed that negotiations were fraught with tension, with the captors fluctuating their demands over the weeks.
Tsiga’s captivity, spanning exactly 56 days (from February 5 to April 2), saw multiple twists. In late February, unverified reports surfaced claiming his release after 22 days, with some outlets suggesting a N60 million ransom had secured his freedom. However, these claims were swiftly debunked by family members and associates. On March 7, a family source told reporters, “Gen. Tsiga is still in captivity; the rumors are false.” Subsequent updates on March 17 and beyond confirmed his continued detention, with the kidnappers reportedly rejecting initial payments as insufficient.
A breakthrough came on April 2, when a top military source and family members confirmed Tsiga’s release. “He is back with us, safe and in good health, considering the circumstances,” a relative shared, requesting anonymity due to security concerns. While the exact ransom amount remains undisclosed, conflicting figures have emerged. Some reports pegged the payment at N60 million, but insiders suggest the final sum was significantly higher—potentially three times that amount, nearing N180 million. “The negotiations were exhaustive, but we thank God for his safe return,” the family source added.
Tsiga, a respected figure known for his tenure at the NYSC and his contributions to national security, was reportedly abducted alongside nine others, though details about their fate remain unclear. The retired general’s release has sparked relief across Katsina and beyond, though it underscores the persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria’s northwest. As of April 2, no official statement has been issued by the Katsina State Police Command or federal authorities, a silence that has drawn criticism amid calls for stronger action against banditry.
Eyewitnesses in Bakori described the February 5 abduction as swift and coordinated, with the bandits overpowering local resistance. The 56-day ordeal saw Tsiga held in an undisclosed location, likely in the dense forests that serve as hideouts for criminal gangs in the region. His resilience, coupled with the relentless efforts of his family and negotiators, culminated in his freedom on April 2—exactly 56 days from the date of his capture (February: 23 days, March: 31 days, April: 2 days).
The news of Tsiga’s release has been met with widespread celebration on social media and in local communities. “A true hero returns,” one X user posted, echoing the sentiments of many who followed the saga. However, the lack of clarity on the other victims and the absence of government intervention have tempered the joy with lingering questions about Nigeria’s security challenges.
For now, Gen. Tsiga is said to be recuperating with his family, his return a testament to endurance and hope amid adversity. As the nation reflects on his 56-day captivity, his story stands as both a personal victory and a stark reminder of the work still needed to curb the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria.
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