Brig. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (rtd) a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, who spent 56 days in kidnappers’ den said his adopters has no regard for God, or fear. He said what they fear is aircraft.
Upon regaining his freedom on Wednesday he shared horrific experiences in captivity.
Speaking to newsmen, the former NYSC DG disclosed that the kidnappers feared aircraft more than they feared God.
“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,” He said.
Specifically, the retired general revealed how he and other hostages were surrounded by hungry hyenas looking for what to eat in the bush a day before their release by the terrorists who kidnapped them from different locations.
Gen. Tsiga, who was abducted on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tsiga in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, was formally handed over to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
He was handed over alongside a former Ambassador Gideon Yohanna, and 17 other rescued victims by the coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka on Thursday.
The Septuagenarian said they were fed once in a day by the kidnappers and that the hostages frequently encountered snakes and scorpions while in captivity.
He said, “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.
“I am hypertensive, and the only thing they could use was salt. Even if you are not a doctor, youknow that there are foods people with hypertension should not eat. Now, look at me; I cannot climb these steps. It is all as a result of the salt and the beatings we endured.”
Tsiga also disclosed that the kidnappers used high-profile captives as human shields during aerial attacks by the troops of the Nigerian Air Force, who bombard them in the forest frequently.
He said, “Whenever they were being attacked, sincerely speaking, they brought us out so that the aircraft could target us. But you know, God is merciful. The NSA has said it, and the CDS has said it – the good ones will continue to live”
He recounted a particularly chilling experience when a rocket aimed at them failed to explode.
According to him, the kidnappers believed that government officials in uniform always had access to money, which led them to break into his house using explosives.
“They carried that rocket to where I was sleeping and hid it there so that immediately I woke up and touched it, it would explode. But God is merciful.
“They made claims that some of us are in uniform, the government is always putting money for us to keep. And that is why they tried to open my house. They cannot and they had to use explosives to break into my house.”
He emphasised 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 are not magicians but rely on good information to act effectively.
Former Deputy Head of Mission in Pretoria, South Africa, Ambassador Gideon Yohana, who was among those rescued, also 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.
He acknowledged the federal government’s support and noted improvements in security across several states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger.
“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. The security agencies are continuing their work to ensure that our nation achieves lasting peace,” Yohana stated.
