DHQ Denies Ransom Payment for Gen. Tsiga’s Release,
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims suggesting that the recent release of Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retired), the former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was secured through the payment of ransom contributed by military generals and civilians.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, issued a statement earlier today, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the release of the former NYSC DG, who was abducted on February 6, 2025, in Katsina State.
The statement came as a response to concerns raised in an article penned by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi. Abdullahi which detailed the efforts of retired generals, friends, and civilians who reportedly contributed funds to meet the ransom demand for General Tsiga’s release.
However, the Defence Headquarters stated that the release of Brigadier General Tsiga was a direct result of a robust search and rescue operation conducted by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.
According to the DHQ, during these operations in suspected criminal hideouts within forests and hills, troops successfully rescued 84 kidnapped victims and neutralized some of the terrorists involved.
Brigadier General Gusau emphasized that the claims of ransom payment directly contradict the kinetic and non-kinetic efforts undertaken by the military to ensure the safe return of General Tsiga.
He described the online reports as “mischief” intended to undermine the dedicated efforts of the military in eradicating terrorism, banditry, and other criminal elements in the North West region.
The DHQ acknowledged an appreciation message circulating from General Tsiga, thanking senior officers and civilians for their support. However, they clarified that this support was distinct from any ransom payment and highlighted the significant sacrifices made by the troops who worked tirelessly to locate and rescue the former NYSC DG.
“It is thus only fair to recognise the significant sacrifices made by these troops who have worked day and night, often at great risk to their own lives, in their search for the senior officer,
The DHQ further detailed the immediate response following General Tsiga’s abduction, stating that troops of 17 Brigade were alerted and swiftly pursued the criminals in conjunction with the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma.
These combined efforts pressured the criminals, leading them to abandon rustled animals and some captives during their retreat. Subsequent air operations at Dunya Hill, where General Tsiga was believed to be held, further disrupted the terrorists’ activities, ultimately contributing to the escape of several captives, including the former NYSC DG.
While the exact details of how General Tsiga was freed remain somewhat unclear, the Defence Headquarters is firm in its assertion that it was a direct outcome of military operations and not a result of ransom payment.
This clarification comes amidst public discourse regarding the effectiveness of military operations versus ransom negotiations in securing the release of kidnap victims in Nigeria.
