The kidnappers of retired General Maharazu Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have demanded a ransom of N250 million for his release.
According to Channels TV, a source close to the family, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the kidnappers’ ringleader contacted them on Thursday night, insisting on the payment.
News Central reports that Tsiga was abducted alongside several other residents of Tsiga village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
A local resident confirmed that the attack took place on Wednesday when armed assailants, wielding sophisticated weapons, stormed the home of the former NYSC chief.
During the assault, which lasted only a few minutes, two villagers sustained injuries, while one of the attackers was reportedly killed by friendly fire from his own group.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of General Tsiga. On Friday, the command assured the public that it was actively working alongside other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to resolve the situation.
During a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Police Public Relations Officer Abubakar Sadiq provided an update on security operations in the state. He disclosed that 45 suspects had been arrested in connection with various crimes in January 2025.
Sadiq recalled that on 6 February 2025, at approximately 05:30 hours, the Bakori divisional police headquarters received intelligence regarding an attack by suspected armed bandits on Tsiga village. Security operatives were immediately deployed to the scene in an effort to contain the situation.
“Unfortunately, before the arrival of the operatives, the hoodlums already succeeded in their mission”, he added.
Katsina is one of several states in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions plagued by armed bandits who raid villages, kill and abduct residents, and set homes ablaze while looting properties.
These criminal gangs operate from extensive forested areas spanning Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states. In recent years, they have gained infamy for orchestrating mass kidnappings of schoolchildren.
In response to the escalating insecurity, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda established the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) in 2023. Comprising approximately 2,000 vigilantes, the force was created to support the military and police in combating the bandit menace.
