Surviving The Shadows: Former NYSC Director-General Shares His Terrifying Ordeal

Brigadier General Tsiga Recounts His 56-Day Kidnapping Nightmare

In a harrowing tale that will leave you both shaken and inspired, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retired), has opened up about the nightmare he endured at the hands of kidnappers and terrorists. It's a story of survival, courage, and faith against all odds.

As Naija News recalls, General Tsiga was abducted on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tsiga in the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. After what felt like an eternity, he was finally released 56 days later. But those 56 days were far from peaceful. They were filled with fear, danger, and moments that tested the limits of human endurance.

A Meeting with the NSA Sparks Reflection

Speaking on Thursday following a meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, General Tsiga revealed the chilling details of his captivity. Held deep within a dense forest surrounded by towering hills, the environment was as hostile as the captors themselves. Dangerous animals like hyenas, snakes, and scorpions were constant companions, adding an extra layer of terror to an already dire situation.

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At 72 years old, Tsiga described his survival as nothing short of miraculous. He recounted, "We were surrounded by dangerous animals—hyenas prowling around, snakes slithering through our makeshift shelters, and scorpions lurking in the shadows. On the day before my release, I witnessed a hyena circling us, eyeing us like we were its next meal. These were moments when you truly question whether you'll make it out alive."

"But the psychological torture didn't stop there. The kidnappers knew who we were, especially those of us with military backgrounds. During military airstrikes, they would use us as human shields, hoping the attacks would hit us instead of them. They wanted us to be collateral damage. It's a level of cruelty that's hard to comprehend, but God had other plans for me."

Close Calls and Divine Intervention

General Tsiga also shared a chilling incident involving an unexploded rocket during an airstrike. "One of the rockets fired at the terrorists didn't detonate. Instead, they picked it up and placed it right where I was sleeping, hiding it in such a way that any accidental touch could have set it off. I spent hours lying there, praying I wouldn't move even an inch. Again, by God's grace, I survived that ordeal too."

According to Tsiga, the kidnappers believed that military officers had access to government funds, which fueled their decision to target him. "They thought we had money stashed away. When they couldn't get to me directly, they destroyed my home in Kaduna using explosives. It was a brutal reminder of the lengths these criminals will go to for their greed."

A Call for Collective Responsibility

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the 18 other rescued victims, Tsiga extended heartfelt thanks to the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff. However, he emphasized that securing the nation is a shared responsibility. "We can't rely solely on the government to handle security issues. Every citizen has a role to play. Providing timely and accurate intelligence is crucial. The NSA and the CDS aren't magicians; they need our help to make informed decisions and take effective actions."

In his closing remarks, Tsiga reminded everyone that the fight against terrorism requires unity and cooperation. "The message from the NSA and the CDS is clear: the good guys will prevail, and the bad ones will eventually meet their fate. Together, we can overcome this challenge if we all do our part."

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This story is not just about survival; it's about resilience, faith, and the power of community. Brigadier General Tsiga's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by many in Nigeria and the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.