Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has regained his freedom after spending 22 days in captivity. His release reportedly came after the payment of a N250 million ransom to his abductors.
A reliable source confirmed the development, stating that a family member disclosed Tsiga’s release on Friday. He was abducted on February 6, 2025, from his residence in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, by heavily armed men.
The abduction was orchestrated by the notorious bandit leader, Babaro, who had initially demanded a substantial ransom for Tsiga’s freedom. Following weeks of negotiations, sources confirmed that the ransom was paid, securing his release. He is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital.
As of now, the Katsina State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding his release.
It will be recalled that on the night of his abduction, over 100 armed assailants stormed Tsiga’s residence, forcibly taking him and several other villagers. During the attack, two individuals sustained injuries, while one of the attackers was accidentally shot dead by a fellow gang member.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing Katsina State and the broader North-West region, where kidnappings for ransom have become alarmingly frequent.