Military debunk ransom rumors in rescue of former NYSC DG

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted reports suggesting that retired and active military officers contributed funds to pay a ransom for the release of Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd), a former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In a statement issued on Monday, the DHQ emphasized that Tsiga’s rescue was the result of intensive military operations and intelligence-led efforts.

Tsiga was kidnapped on February 6, 2025, in Tsiga town, located in the Kafur area of Bakori Local Government, Katsina State.

His abduction drew national attention, further fueled by a viral WhatsApp message from Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, claiming that several officers contributed financially to secure his freedom through his son’s account.

However, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed the claims as misleading and an attempt to diminish the military’s role in combating banditry and terrorism.

According to Gusau, troops from the 17 Brigade immediately responded to the incident, initiating a coordinated search-and-rescue mission under Operation Fansan Yamma.

The operation, which also included air support, covered several notorious hideouts across Katsina and Zamfara states, including Jeka, Zango, Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, and Pauwa Hills.

Though troops initially did not make direct contact with the kidnappers, their operations forced the bandits to abandon both stolen livestock and some abductees.

“Despite the difficult terrain, our forces remained determined,” Gusau noted, adding that targeted airstrikes on Dunya Hill—a known base for terrorists—played a vital role in dispersing the kidnappers and facilitating the escape of several captives.

One of the captives, Barau Garba, a teacher from Tsiga, was rescued and later reunited with his family.

However, due to health issues, Tsiga was unable to escape during the same raid.

In a separate operation on Pauwa Hills, the military successfully freed 84 other victims.

While several terrorists were neutralized during these engagements, three soldiers sustained injuries.

Further airstrikes were conducted at Yankuzo and Gidan Dankaka in Zamfara State, targeting terrorist leader Ado Aliero, believed to have ties to Tsiga’s abductors.

However, the operations did not lead to his arrest.

Gusau reiterated that no ransom was paid for Tsiga’s release. “The mission relied solely on military action using both combat and non-combat strategies,” he said.

The DHQ praised the commitment of the troops involved in the rescue efforts, emphasizing the risks they undertook to bring the former NYSC DG home safely.

The military urged the public to disregard unverified claims and continue supporting the armed forces by providing credible intelligence that would aid ongoing operations across the country.