Shock As Abductors Of Former NYSC DG Demand ₦250 Million Ransom

Published February 8, 2025 at 11:13 AM

Armed men who kidnapped the former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, are demanding a ₦250 million ransom for his release.

A family source, speaking anonymously to Daily Trust, confirmed that the kidnappers have reached out with their demand.

Tsiga was abducted along with nine other residents during a coordinated midnight attack on Wednesday in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. The gunmen also killed one person, looted several homes, and made away with valuables.

Eyewitnesses reported that over 100 armed men stormed the area, surrounded Tsiga’s home, and forcibly took him away.

Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai, the lawmaker representing Bakori/Danja Federal Constituency, stated that the gunmen systematically broke into multiple homes before Tsiga confronted them.

In response to the abduction, the Nigerian military has launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation. Troops have been deployed to track the kidnappers and rescue the hostages.

Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola, Commander of the 17 Brigade, is personally leading the operation deep into the forests of Katsina State. A senior military official confirmed to Punch that, “Brigadier-General Babatunde Omopariola has been in the bush since the night of the incident.”