How we were surrounded by hyenas, used as human shield by bandits – Gen. Tsiga

Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Maharazu Tsiga (Rtd), has shared a chilling account of his time in captivity, revealing that he and other hostages were encircled by hyenas just a day before their release.

Tsiga, who was abducted on February 5, 2025, from his hometown in Tisga, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, regained his freedom on Wednesday after spending 56 days in the hands of his captors.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the handover of 19 rescued victims to their families, Tsiga described the extreme conditions they faced while being held hostage.

“A day before I left there, that is, the day before yesterday, on the mountain where I was staying, unexpectedly, we looked around and saw hyenas parading, searching for food. And what kind of food? Us, the human beings,” he said.

He further recounted how snakes and scorpions were a constant threat in captivity.

Tsiga disclosed that the abductors used high-profile captives as shields during aerial military operations.

“Whenever they were being attacked, sincerely speaking, they brought us out so that the aircraft could target us. But you know, God is merciful. The NSA has said it, and the CDS has said it – the good ones will continue to live,” he said.

One of the most terrifying moments, he recalled, was when an explosive device intended for them failed to detonate.

“They carried that rocket to where I was sleeping and hid it there so that immediately I woke up and touched it, it would explode. But God is merciful,” he added.

Tsiga explained that the kidnappers operated under the assumption that government officials in uniform always had access to money, which led them to break into his home using explosives.

“They made claims that some of us are in uniform, the government is always putting money for us to keep. And that is why they tried to open my house. They cannot, and they had to use explosives to break into my house,” he said.

He also described how the kidnappers showed no reverence for religion but lived in fear of aerial surveillance.

“They don’t fear God. They tell you not to call God for them, just to give them money. But immediately they see aircraft, even their cows start running,” he noted.

Tsiga revealed that they were fed only once a week, primarily surviving on Tuwo Dawa. He also spoke about how the poor diet and harsh treatment had impacted his health.

“I am hypertensive, and the only thing they could use was salt. Even if you are not a doctor, you know that there are foods people with hypertension should not eat. Now, look at me; I cannot climb these steps. It is all as a result of the salt and the beatings we endured,” he lamented.

Emphasizing the need for a united approach to tackling insecurity, Tsiga urged citizens to actively support security agencies by providing accurate and timely intelligence.

“We should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must contribute. Security is a collective responsibility,” he said.

Among the rescued victims was Ambassador Gideon Yohana, former Deputy Head of Mission in Pretoria, South Africa.

He expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and security agencies for their role in securing their release.

Yohana acknowledged the federal government’s ongoing efforts to improve security in states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger.
“We know that security forces are working quietly behind the scenes, and it is not an easy task. We also heard while in captivity about the rescue of a General. We thank God that he is also free now. The security agencies are continuing their work to ensure that our nation achieves lasting peace,” he said.