By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims that contributions from retired military generals secured the release of Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retired), who was abducted and held captive for 56 days in Katsina State.
In a statement issued Director Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau which was made available information to newsmen said the DHQ described the information as misleading a recent article authored by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, which alleged that the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) regained his freedom through financial intervention from retired senior officers.
According to the DHQ, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma were responsible for the successful Search and Rescue mission that eventually led to General Tsiga’s release.
The military said the operation involved both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts carried out over a span of several weeks across various local government areas in Katsina and Zamfara States.
“The former DG of NYSC was abducted in the early hours of 6 February 2025 in Tsiga, Kafur District of Bakori LGA. Troops of the 17 Brigade responded swiftly around 3am the same day, launching a pursuit with support from the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma,” the statement read.
Troops reportedly combed several bandit hideouts in Kankara and Faskari LGAs, pressuring the kidnappers who, in retreat, abandoned stolen livestock and several captives.
Additionally while Tsiga was not immediately found, the military said continuous operations bolstered by intelligence led to multiple raids in Zamfara State targeting known bandit locations, including areas linked to the notorious terrorist Ado Aliero.
"Despite not making direct contact with Tsiga’s abductors during these raids, airstrikes on Dunya Hill believed to be where Tsiga was held disrupted the criminals and allowed some captives to flee. One such individual, Barau Garba, a local teacher who was abducted alongside Tsiga, was rescued and has since reunited with his family.
The statement added that in another search operation in Pauwa Hills and Matallawa, 84 kidnapped victims were freed. Several bandits were neutralized, while three soldiers sustained injuries.
The military emphasized that the sustained offensive across Danmusa, Kankara, and Faskari LGAs helped maintain pressure on the abductors, eventually compelling them to abandon their captive.
The DHQ condemned the article by the retired officer, describing it as an attempt to downplay the sacrifices made by troops on the frontlines.
“It is only fair to recognize the significant sacrifices made by these troops who have worked day and night, often at great risk to their own lives. The disparaging write-up is nothing but a calculated attempt to undermine military efforts in combating terrorism and banditry,” the DHQ stated.
While acknowledging the support extended by some individuals during the rescue effort, the military maintained that the operation's success was primarily due to tactical and coordinated military intervention.
The DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the country and urged citizens to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.
