Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maharazu Tsiga has narrated his experience in kidnappers’ den before freedom. The former NYSC boss was reportedly abducted in his hometown in Bakori local government in Katsina on February 5, 2025.
Tsiga, during the handover of 19 other rescued victims, detailed the hardships he and others endured while in captivity. The erstwhile NYSC boss recounted an experience of hyenas searching for food on the mountain where they were held captive.
He also described how they are used as human shields during aerial attacks whenever the kidnappers are attacked. He recalled an experience of a rocket hidden in his room to touch and explode but fortunately didn’t happen.
According to him, the kidnappers believed government officials are rich, hence the reason for breaking into his home with explosives. The former NYSC boss disclosed that they were told that the government always gives them money to keep and save.
Speaking further, Tsiga explained that the kidnappers feared aircraft to the point that their cows started running once they saw aircraft. He went further to describe the harsh conditions in captivity, revealing that they were fed once a week only.
Tsiga however emphasized the importance of collective security efforts, urging Nigerian Citizens to cooperate and contribute to security efforts and operations. He urged people to provide timely and accurate intelligence to security agencies, noting the effectiveness of information on security issues.
Also, former deputy head of mission in South Africa, Gideon Yohana, speaking in Abuja, appreciated the government for rescuing the victims. Yohana, who is also part of the victims, gave gratitude to security agencies for their efforts in securing their release.
He acknowledged the federal government support, noting improvements in security across several states like Zamfara, Sokoto Katsina and Niger states. Yohana expressed that security agencies are continuing their work to ensure everlasting Peace and stability in the nation.