Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, has shared his horrific experiences after spending 56 days in a kidnappers’ den. Gen. Tsiga, who was abducted on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tsiga in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, revealed that his captors had no regard for God, but instead feared aircraft.

“They don’t fear God. They tell you not to call God for them, just to give them money. But immediately they see aircraft, even their cows start running,” Gen. Tsiga said. He described how he and other hostages were surrounded by hungry hyenas a day before their release. “A day before I left there, that is, the day before yesterday, on the mountain where I was staying, unexpectedly, we looked around and saw hyenas parading, searching for food. And what kind of food? Us, the human beings.”

Gen. Tsiga, who was formally handed over to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside a former Ambassador Gideon Yohanna and 17 other rescued victims, stated that they were fed once a day and frequently encountered snakes and scorpions while in captivity. He also disclosed that the kidnappers used high-profile captives as human shields during aerial attacks by the Nigerian Air Force.

Gen. Tsiga emphasized the importance of collective security efforts, stating, “We should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must contribute. Security is a collective responsibility.” He urged citizens to provide timely and accurate intelligence to security agencies, stressing that they rely on good information to act effectively.

Former Deputy Head of Mission in Pretoria, South Africa, Ambassador Gideon Yohana, who was among those rescued, expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and security agencies for their efforts in securing their release. “We know that security forces are working quietly behind the scenes, and it is not an easy task. We also heard while in captivity about the rescue of a General. We thank God that he is also free now,” Yohana stated.