The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly denied allegations that retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga’s release was secured through financial contributions, stating instead that a coordinated military operation freed him after 56 days in captivity.
In a Tuesday statement, the DHQ dismissed recent claims by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi as “misleading” and an attempt to discredit military efforts. Officials emphasised that Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops conducted extensive search-and-rescue missions alongside non-kinetic strategies to secure the former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) director general’s release.
General Tsiga was abducted on 6 February 2025 from his Tsiga home in Katsina State. Military response was immediate, with 17 Brigade troops and air support launching pursuit operations at 3:00 AM that same morning.
The operation focused on known criminal hideouts across Kankara and Faskari Local Government Areas, where sustained pressure forced kidnappers to abandon stolen livestock and some captives. Intelligence later directed operations to terrorist strongholds in Zamfara State’s Tsafe LGA, including air strikes on Dunya Hill – a suspected holding location.
While these raids didn’t yield direct arrests, they enabled several hostages to escape, including Barau Garba, a local schoolteacher. Garba confirmed General Tsiga had remained captive due to health issues preventing his escape.
Subsequent operations in Kankara LGA rescued 84 hostages and eliminated several bandits, though three soldiers were wounded. The DHQ stressed that continuous ground and air operations across multiple LGAs ultimately secured the general’s release.
“The suggestion of ransom payments disrespects our troops’ professionalism and sacrifices,” the statement read. “We employed all available strategies because every life – especially a senior officer’s – holds immense value.”
The DHQ has called on the public to disregard unsubstantiated claims and continue supporting military efforts with reliable intelligence.
