Ex-NYSC DG, General Tsiga regains freedom

Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has regained his freedom after spending 56 harrowing days in captivity.

Tsiga was abducted on February 5, 2025, from his hometown in Bakori Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, alongside nine other residents. Despite his family paying a ransom, his captors continued to hold him hostage for weeks.

Reports indicate conflicting figures regarding the ransom amount paid for his release.

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While some claimed the sum of N60m was paid, this newspaper reliably learnt that the actual money paid for his release is thrice higher than that.

A close family member told our correspondent that after receiving the money, the kidnappers kept mum for one week before contacting the family, where they put the general on phone to speak with them.

“The money was taken to them and it was only after one week, that was on Tuesday March 11, that they called and we heard his voice,” the source revealed.

He added that the kidnappers had called though to demand for more money, which he said was not given to them.

“Nothing was actually added and as we speak they are in Zamfara state from where they will take the general to Abuja,” the source said.

A top military source also confirmed Tsiga’s release to this newspaper.

Sources close to the family said he is in good condition.