Suspected terrorists have demanded a ransom of N250 million for the release of Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who was abducted in his hometown, Tsiga, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Tsiga, 67, was kidnapped alongside several others on Wednesday night, February 6. Reports indicate that he had been away from the community but traveled there shortly before he was seized.
During the attack, two residents were injured, while one of the terrorists was reportedly killed by his own group.
A family source revealed that the abductors made contact on Friday night, demanding the hefty sum for Tsiga’s freedom.
The retired military officer, born in 1957, served as the 14th NYSC Director-General, assuming office in January 2009.
Before then, he was a Military Assistant to a former NYSC DG between 1992 and 1994. Since retirement, he has been engaged in large-scale farming and other business ventures in Tsiga.
His abduction has caused panic among locals, with some reportedly fleeing the community due to fears of further attacks.
Police authorities were initially silent on the incident, with the Katsina State Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, declining to respond to media inquiries.
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However, on Friday, Aliyu confirmed the attack, stating that security forces were actively addressing the situation.
According to him, the police received information about the attack at around 5:30 a.m. on February 6 and deployed operatives to the scene, but the assailants had already fled with their victims.
“The command is working closely with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to rescue the victims and ensure justice is served,” Aliyu assured.
The kidnapping of the ex-NYSC boss highlights the worsening security situation in Katsina State, where criminal gangs continue to terrorize communities with abductions and ransom demands.