The kidnappers of retired General Maharazu Tsiga, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have demanded a ransom of N250 million for his release.
A family source, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed on Saturday that the kidnappers’ leader contacted the family late on Friday, requesting the specified amount.
Tsiga, along with several other residents of Tsiga village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, was abducted.
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A local resident confirmed the kidnapping on Thursday, stating that the incident occurred on Wednesday when armed assailants attacked Tsiga’s home.
During the brief attack, two residents were injured, and one of the kidnappers was accidentally shot and killed by his own group.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed Tsiga’s abduction on Friday, assuring the public that they are actively addressing the situation in collaboration with other security agencies.
Police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq disclosed this during a briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he also reported the arrest of 45 suspects for various crimes in January 2025.
Sadiq explained that on February 6, 2025, the Bakori divisional police received a tip about armed bandits in Tsiga village.
However, by the time officers arrived, the kidnappers had already completed their mission. Katsina, along with other states in the North-Western and North-Central regions, continues to face frequent bandit attacks, including kidnappings, killings, and property destruction.
The criminal groups, operating from forests spanning several states, have been notorious for mass abductions, particularly targeting students.
In response, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda established the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) in 2023, comprising 2,000 vigilantes to support the military and police in combating these criminal groups.
