Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), has narrated his ordeal at the bandits’ camp after his release, calling on Nigerians to support security operatives with timely information.
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He said they were fed once a week, beaten, and used as shields whenever military aircraft arrived at the bandits’ location.
He added that they were forced to share the same space in the mountains with snakes and other dangerous wild animals.
Tsiga was kidnapped on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tsiga, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, alongside nine others.
He was rescued two days ago by security operatives, though reports indicated that a ransom was paid for his release.
“And that is why they tried to open my house, but they could not. They had to use explosives to open my house. Now, we are being encouraged by being called here—the NSA, the CDS—which means when you call these two, you are talking about President Bola Tinubu, to ensure that we have confidence, believe in ourselves, and know that God is always there for us.”
“Lastly, we should all know that security is a collective responsibility. We should not sit back and believe that the government can do it alone. We must contribute.”
He said the bandits have no regard for God, adding that the only thing they fear is aircraft.
“The National Security Adviser, sir, the people are really in fear. One thing I have to say here is that they don’t fear God, but they fear aircraft. They tell you, ‘Don’t call God for them, just give them money.’ But the moment they see aircraft, even their cows start running.
“Therefore, we should try as much as possible. As much as the government is doing its best, we should also contribute. The NSA is not a magician; the CDS is not a magician. You must provide them with information so they can act on it.
“They cannot read your mind to know what is there, but they can act when a report is sent to them. I’m not saying just any report, but a good report. Because, as they say, ‘Two heads are better than one.’ No. Two good heads are better than one because not every head is good.”
“We thank Almighty God for giving us this opportunity to live again. We thank Almighty God for bringing us together. When they brought me out, I asked myself, ‘Am I still a human being?’
“You won’t see any human being where we were kept. When you sit, you just sit there. They give you food once a week, and it is only guinea corn food.
“I am hypertensive. The only thing they can use is salt, and even if you are not a doctor, you know that for people who are hypertensive, consuming too much salt is dangerous. Now, look at me.
“I can barely climb this step; it’s because of all the salt, the beatings, and the rest of the suffering we endured.
“So, I want to say thank you very much for calling us. Thank you very much. Please work harder. We were here 20 years ago doing the same thing, and I believe we are still strong enough to contribute whenever our attention is needed.
“To my colleagues here, take heart. Be stronger than you are now.
“This is a challenge, but I’m telling you, it’s a good challenge that will prepare you for the future,” he said.
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