The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a viral report alleging that senior military officers, including serving and retired generals, along with top government officials, contributed money for the release of former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Mahrazu Tsiga (rtd), who was abducted in February 2025.
A statement released on Monday by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, described the claims as misleading and baseless. The allegations stemmed from an article by Brig. Gen. Ismaila Abdullahi, which suggested that military generals had raised funds to secure the release of Tsiga, who had been held captive for 56 days. The DHQ, however, clarified that these claims contradicted the actual efforts made by the military to free the former NYSC DG.
According to the DHQ, Tsiga’s release resulted from an extensive operation by troops from Operation Fansan Yamma, which carried out a Search and Rescue operation alongside other non-kinetic efforts. Gusau emphasized that while the article included a message of gratitude from the senior officer thanking his colleagues for their support, it did not reflect the true nature of the military’s actions.
Details of the Military’s Search and Rescue Operation
The Defence Headquarters provided a detailed timeline of the military’s efforts to secure Tsiga’s release. According to the statement, the former NYSC DG was abducted on the morning of 6 February 2025 in Tsiga, Kafur District, located in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. Military troops from 17 Brigade were immediately alerted and responded to the abduction within hours, launching a pursuit in collaboration with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.
The operation, which spanned several locations including Jeka, Areda, Zango, Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, Matallawa, and Bakkai, saw the troops pressure the criminals, causing them to abandon rustled animals and other captives in their hasty retreat. While no direct contact was made with the abductors, the troops intensified their efforts, conducting aerial operations in Dunya Hill, a suspected bandit stronghold, where several captives, including Barau Garba, a teacher, were rescued. However, Tsiga was unable to escape due to health complications.
Further operations were carried out at Pauwa Hills and the Matallawa area in Kankara Local Government Area, where 84 other kidnapping victims were rescued. The military neutralized several terrorists in the process, although three personnel sustained injuries.
Acknowledging Military Sacrifices
Brig. Gen. Gusau stressed that the operations were conducted with significant dedication and sacrifice, despite the challenging terrain and continuous threats posed by terrorists in the region. He highlighted that the pursuit of Tsiga’s abductors was relentless, and the military’s efforts led to the eventual rescue of several captives, even though the primary goal of freeing Tsiga took time due to the conditions of the abduction.
The Defence Headquarters expressed strong disapproval of the misleading commentary circulating online, which it suggested aimed to undermine the military’s diligent and dangerous work in eradicating terrorist activities in Nigeria’s North-West region. Gusau concluded by reaffirming the military’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians and taking decisive action against criminal elements.
Public Misinformation
The statement also pointed out that the publication of false and defamatory information, such as the alleged ransom payment, was likely a deliberate attempt to discredit the military’s successful operation and to downplay the sacrifices of personnel involved. The DHQ urged the public to disregard such misleading reports and instead acknowledge the tireless efforts of the military in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
In the face of these challenges, the Defence Headquarters reiterated that the fight against insecurity in the North-West would continue with unwavering commitment.
