The military rejects a ransom claim, details of rescue efforts for former NYSC with Tsiga

The Head Office of Defense (DHQ) on Monday firmly rejected the broad claim that serving and retired military officers contributed funds to pay ransom for the release of the former Director General of the Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (RETD).

Contrary to messages circulating on social media, especially on WhatsApp, the military insisted that Tsiga was finally the result of tactical and intelligence operations carried out by troops operated under Yamma fanan operations in Katsina and Zamfara states.

Tsiga was kidnapped in the early morning of February 6, 2025, in the city of Tsiga, which is located in the Kafur District in the Bakori Regional Government in the state of Katsina. The incident attracted national attention and raised questions about the safety of high -level citizens in unsafe areas.

A viral message associated with Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi has suggested that military personnel who care to raise funds for ransom which are then paid into an account provided by Putra Tsiga, Kamal. The message also expressed his gratitude to the contributor for their financial support.

However, the Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, in a statement issued on Monday, denied the narration, describing it as “misleading” and aimed to underestimate the sacrifice made by security personnel in securing Tsiga’s release.

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Gusau explained that within a few hours after kidnapping, troops from 17 brigades mobilized and launched coordinated land and air search. These efforts, which were carried out together with the Nigerian Air Force, included several pockets filled with bandits in Kankara and the Regional Government of Fascari in Katsina states, including Jeka, Areda, Zango, Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, and Bukit Pauwa.

Although the search at first did not result in direct confrontation with the kidnappers, Gusau stated that the pressure that culminated from the operation forced the kidnappers to leave the stolen cattle and several prisoners when they fled.

“Since the beginning, the troops showed professionalism by chasing criminals throughout the challenging terrain. The Air Force and Land Working all the time, guided by credible intelligence,” Gusau said. “Our troops remain endlessly in ensuring a safe return from Brigadier General Tsiga.”

The operation further targets Dunya Hill, a famous fortress for terrorist activities. Air strikes interfered with the grip of the kidnappers in the area, which led to the escape of several kidnapped people. While General Tsiga was reportedly unable to escape due to the underlying health problems, a prisoner partner, Barau Garba – a school teacher – was saved and reunited safely with his family.

The military also reported successful attacks on the hills of Pauwa and its surroundings, where 84 other kidnapped victims were released. During the operation, several terrorists were neutralized, although three soldiers were injured.

Apart from the intensity of these missions, intelligence shows that the kidnappers may have moved Tsiga several times in Danmusa, Kankara, and LGA Faskari. This causes a continuation of military pressure in the zones to protect the perpetrators in the escape.

Gusau stressed that these efforts were merely responsible for the final release of Tsiga. He underlined that no ransom paid, and the operation combined the kinetic (strength-based) and non-cinetic approaches (strategic, driven by intelligence).

“The narrative that money exchanged hands is wrong and damage the morale of our troops,” said Gusau. “Our personnel have risked their lives in pursuing a senior officer. Spreading falsity does not only damage their sacrifice but also public trust in our security institutions.”

DHQ concluded by urged citizens to support sustainable security operations with credible information, emphasizing that public collaboration is very important to achieve eternal peace in problematic areas.

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