Defence Headquarters Responds to Misleading Claims About Ex- NYSC DG Tsiga’s Release
Defence Headquarters Responds to Misleading Claims About Ex- NYSC DG Tsiga’s Release
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On Monday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) addressed a viral report alleging that serving and retired generals, along with high-ranking government officials, contributed a ransom for the release of former NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Mahrazu Tsiga (rtd). The DHQ insisted that these claims are inaccurate.
Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information, stated that an article by Brig. Gen. Ismaila Abdullahi falsely asserted that military leaders provided funds to secure Gen. Tsiga’s release after he was held for 56 days. He emphasized that the article undermines the real efforts of the troops from Operation Fansan Yamma, who executed a Search and Rescue Operation to ensure Tsiga’s safe return.
“The article contains a message of appreciation from the senior officer, acknowledging other senior military and civilian officials for their contributions that supported the rescue of the former NYSC Director General,” Gusau noted.
While acknowledging the challenges of engaging with critics of the military, he stressed the importance of clarifying the dedicated efforts that led to Gen. Tsiga’s release.
He recounted that Tsiga was abducted on February 6, 2025, in Tsiga, Kafur District of Katsina State. Troops from the 17 Brigade were dispatched promptly and, in coordination with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, began a vigorous pursuit of the abductors.
Gusau explained that the operation involved searching various areas, including Jeka, Areda, Zango, and others within the Kankara and Faskari Local Government Areas. Although direct contact with the abductors was not achieved, the troops managed to pressure the criminals, causing them to abandon stolen livestock and some captives during their retreat.
In subsequent operations, the military intensified its search based on reliable intelligence, targeting locations associated with terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero. While no direct confrontation with the terrorists occurred, air operations disrupted activities in the areas where Gen. Tsiga was held, resulting in the escape of several hostages. Unfortunately, Tsiga could not flee due to health issues.
One captive, Barau Garba, a teacher who was held alongside Tsiga, was rescued and has since reunited with his family. Gusau mentioned that additional searches led to the rescue of 84 kidnapped victims, although Gen. Tsiga remained unlocated.
He reaffirmed that since the former DG’s abduction, troops have tirelessly pursued the abductors through both ground and aerial operations, maintaining pressure on the criminals. Gusau concluded by emphasizing the sacrifices made by military personnel in their relentless quest to free Tsiga and combat terrorism in the region, dismissing the disparaging online comments as acts of mischief aimed at undermining the military’s dedicated efforts.
