Retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga has spent 49 days in captivity, even after his family reportedly paid a large ransom to his abductors. The former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was kidnapped alongside nine other residents on February 5 from his hometown, Tsiga, in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Despite negotiations and the payment of a significant sum, the kidnappers have refused to release him. A family source revealed that after the ransom was delivered, the abductors went silent for a week before contacting the family and allowing them to speak briefly with the general.
“We are worried, I can assure you that a huge amount was given, and unfortunately, they have failed to fulfill their part of the agreement,” the source said.
He further noted that since that phone call, the family has not been able to communicate with Tsiga again. “Unfortunately, since that time the family spoke with him, he was not heard of anymore. It is exactly two weeks since the family heard from him last,” he added.
It was also revealed that the kidnappers later called to demand additional ransom, but the family did not comply with the request. Initially, the abductors had demanded N250 million for the general’s release. However, sources indicate that they repeatedly increased their demands and even moved him to a different location.
Amid growing concerns, various groups and individuals have urged the federal government and security agencies to take urgent action. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Katsina Elders Forum (KEF) have both called for intensified efforts to secure the retired general’s release.
