The Defence Headquarters on Monday refuted claims that military generals paid ransom to secure the release of a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), who was recently freed after 56 days in captivity.
Tsiga, alongside several residents, was abducted by suspected bandits on February 5 at his residence in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
His release last Wednesday followed sustained military operations in the North-West.
A retired general was recently reported to have alleged that serving and retired military officers pooled resources to pay ransom for Tsiga’s freedom. But the military dismissed the claim as “misleading” and “mischievous.”
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military said Tsiga’s release was the result of an intensive search and rescue mission carried out by troops under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Fansan Yamma.
“The disparaging online report is therefore nothing but presumably an act of mischief which is calculated to undermine the dedicated efforts of the military to eradicate terrorists/bandits and other criminal elements from the North-West region,” the statement read in part.
Gusau noted that the rescue effort involved both ground and aerial operations targeting known bandit hideouts across Zamfara and Katsina States.
He revealed that troops from the 17 Brigade acted swiftly upon receiving intelligence, pursuing the kidnappers through locations including Jeka, Areda, Zango, Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, Matallawa, and Bakkai in Faskari LGA.
“Although no direct contact was made with the abductors, the troops successfully pressured the criminals, who abandoned rustled animals and some captives in their hasty retreat,” he stated.
According to the DHQ, air operations later targeted Dunya Hill, where Tsiga and other victims were believed to be held, effectively disrupting the terrorists and facilitating the escape of multiple captives.
Upon his release, Tsiga and 18 other rescued victims were handed over to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
The military urged the public to disregard the ransom claim, reaffirming its commitment to combatting insecurity and restoring peace in the troubled region.
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