Military Denies Ransom Payment for General Tsiga’s Release Claims Operation Secured
By Usman A Harande
Abuja, Nigeria – April 7, 2025 – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims that retired Brigadier General Mahrazu Tsiga’s release was secured through ransom payments from fellow military generals. This statement comes in response to an article by Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, which suggested financial contributions from senior officers facilitated the release of the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who was held captive for 56 days.
In a press release issued today, the DHQ clarified that General Tsiga’s release was a direct result of relentless search and rescue operations conducted by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, complemented by non-kinetic efforts. The military asserts that the article’s claims undermine the dedicated and risky operations undertaken by its personnel.
“It is essential to clarify the relentless efforts undertaken by the troops that facilitated General Tsiga’s release,” stated Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information. “The publication includes an appreciation message from the senior officer, thanking other senior officers and civilian counterparts for their material and other support that contributed to his rescue. However, this support was supplementary to the military operations, not a replacement for them.”
The DHQ detailed the timeline of operations following General Tsiga’s abduction on February 6, 2025, in Katsina State. Immediately after the incident, troops of 17 Brigade, in conjunction with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, launched a pursuit of the abductors. Operations spanned multiple local government areas in Katsina and Zamfara States, including Jeka, Areda, Zango, Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, Matallawa, Bakkai, Yankuzo, and Gidan Dankaka.
“Despite challenging terrain and the absence of direct contact with the abductors, our troops maintained relentless pressure,” General Gusau emphasized. “Air operations at Dunya Hill, a known bandit stronghold, disrupted the terrorists and led to the escape of several captives. Unfortunately, General Tsiga’s health prevented his escape at that time.”
The military also highlighted the rescue of Barau Garba, a teacher who was held captive alongside General Tsiga, and the subsequent rescue of 84 kidnapped victims from the Pauwa Hills and Matallawa areas. The operations resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists, though three military personnel sustained gunshot wounds.
“Since General Tsiga’s abduction, troops have conducted numerous air and ground operations, keeping constant pressure on the abductors,” General Gusau stated. “It is only fair to recognize the significant sacrifices made by these troops, who have worked tirelessly, often at great risk to their own lives.”
The DHQ dismissed the online claims as “presumably an act of mischief” aimed at undermining the military’s efforts to eradicate terrorism and banditry in the North West region. They reiterated that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies were employed to secure General Tsiga’s release, emphasizing the value placed on his life.
“Troops will continue to support all efforts in ensuring peace and security across the country,” General Gusau affirmed. “The general public is encouraged to continue supporting troops by providing credible intelligence.”
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