Ex-NYSC DG narrates terrifying ordeal in kidnappers’ den

Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd), former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has opened up about his harrowing experience in captivity after being abducted by terrorists.

Recounting the ordeal, Tsiga revealed that he and other hostages were held deep in a forest surrounded by hills, where they lived in constant fear of deadly wildlife and ruthless captors. He described his survival as nothing short of divine intervention.

“We were kept in the midst of dangerous animals—hyenas, snakes, and scorpions,” the 72-year-old disclosed. “Just a day before my release, while on the mountain where I was held, we noticed a hyena circling us, looking for food. And by food, I mean us—human beings.”

Beyond the threats from nature, Tsiga described how the terrorists used him and other high-ranking captives as human shields whenever security forces launched attacks on their hideout.

“Whenever troops attacked, they would bring us out, hoping we would be hit by military airstrikes,” he said. “They wanted us to be killed by the aircraft. But God is merciful.”

He also recalled a chilling encounter with an unexploded rocket fired during an airstrike. “Instead of detonating, the terrorists carried the unexploded rocket and placed it where I was sleeping, hoping I would touch it and set it off. Yet, by God’s mercy, I survived.”

Tsiga explained that his abductors believed military officers had access to large sums of government money, which made him a target. “They tried to break into my house, but when they couldn’t, they went to my home in Kaduna and used explosives to destroy it, including the gates,” he recounted.

Speaking on behalf of the 18 other rescued victims, Tsiga expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for securing their release. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling insecurity.

“We must not assume that the government can do it alone. Everyone must contribute by providing intelligence and information,” he urged. “The NSA and CDS are not magicians; they need timely and accurate reports to act upon.”

His testimony sheds light on the brutal realities of terrorism and the urgent need for strengthened security measures across Nigeria.