General Maharazu Tsiga, the former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has shared his terrible experience after being kidnapped. He was held captive for 56 days and released on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Tsiga was taken from his hometown, Tisga in Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State, on February 5, 2025.

During a speech in Abuja on March 3, he spoke about the fear, hunger, and danger he faced while in the kidnappers’ camp. He described how, just one day before they were rescued, hyenas came around them on the mountain, looking for food – and that food could have been them.

“We saw hyenas walking around us, looking hungry. We knew they were thinking of eating us,” he said.

Tsiga also said they often saw snakes and scorpions in the bush where they were kept. The kidnappers used them as human shields when fighter jets came to attack. “They would put us outside so the aircraft couldn’t shoot at them,” he said.

One time, a rocket that didn’t explode was hidden where he slept, hoping it would go off if he touched it. “But God saved me,” he said.

He explained that the kidnappers thought he had money because of his government position. They even used explosives to break into his house.

According to him, the kidnappers had no fear of God. “They told us not to call God. They just wanted money. But the moment they hear or see aircraft, they all run, even their cows.”

During his time in captivity, Tsiga said they were only fed once a week, mostly with Tuwo Dawa (millet meal). As someone with low blood pressure, he said the salty food and beatings affected his health badly. “Now I can’t even climb stairs,” he said.

Tsiga ended by saying that everyone must help improve security. “The government cannot do it alone. We must support by giving good and timely information. Security is for all of us.”