In the early hours of Thursday, February 6, 2025, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retired), a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted from his residence in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. when armed bandits stormed the community, targeting the retired general and other residents.
Details of the Abduction
Eyewitnesses reported that over 100 gunmen surrounded General Tsiga’s residence, forcibly gaining entry by breaking down doors. Upon confronting the intruders, General Tsiga inquired about their intentions. The assailants responded that they intended to take him away. To prevent further harm to his household and neighbors, General Tsiga complied, locking his door and accompanying the bandits.
In addition to General Tsiga, the bandits abducted several other individuals from Tsiga town. Reports indicate that while the general and four others were kidnapped within Tsiga, another man, along with his two wives, children, and the children of his elder brother, were taken from the nearby Gidan Biye community. During the attack, a young man sustained gunshot injuries to his thighs but survived.
Community Reaction
The abduction has left the Tsiga community in shock. Residents expressed deep concern over the kidnapping of General Tsiga, whom they describe as a well-respected leader, philanthropist, and gentleman. One resident remarked, “Our community has been left in shock, especially over the kidnap of the former NYSC DG, who is a well-respected leader and philanthropist and a core gentleman. We pray for Allah to bring him back to us safe.”
Security Response
Following the abduction, the Nigerian Army initiated a search-and-rescue operation. The Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brigadier-General Babatunde Omopariola, has been actively leading troops in combing the forests around the state to locate and rescue the retired general and other abductees. A military source confirmed, “Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Babatunde Omopariola, has been in the bush since the night of the incident.”
The Katsina State Police Command also confirmed the abduction. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, stated that General Tsiga was taken alongside five others. He assured that efforts are being intensified, in collaboration with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders, to ensure their safe rescue.
Background on General Tsiga
Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga served as the Director-General of the NYSC, where he was instrumental in various reforms aimed at enhancing the scheme’s operations and the welfare of corps members. His tenure is remembered for initiatives that strengthened national integration and youth development.
Rising Insecurity in Katsina State
Katsina State has been grappling with escalating banditry and kidnappings in recent years. Communities have frequently been attacked, with residents abducted for ransom. The abduction of a high-profile figure like General Tsiga underscores the severity of the security challenges in the region.
Government’s Stance on Negotiations
In response to the persistent insecurity, the Katsina State Government has maintained a firm stance against negotiating with criminal elements. Governor Dikko Umar Radda emphasized that while the government is committed to restoring peace, it will not engage in negotiations with bandits. He stated that any peace deal would be contingent upon specific conditions and the full involvement of the affected communities.
Conclusion
The abduction of Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga highlights the ongoing security challenges in Katsina State and the broader northwest region of Nigeria. As security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the abductees, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of banditry and ensure the safety of all citizens.
