Bandits May Be Backed By Powerful Figures” — Ex-NYSC DG Breaks Silence On Ordeal In Terrorists’ Custody

A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), has suggested that bandits terrorising parts of the country may be benefiting from the support of influential individuals within government circles.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Tsiga made the claim during a press conference in Kaduna while commenting on the death of late Major-General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who reportedly died while in the custody of bandits in Katsina State.

The retired general, who was himself abducted earlier this year from his hometown in Katsina, recounted what he described as a disturbing experience during his period in captivity.

According to him, his time with the kidnappers revealed what he believes to be a wider support network that extends beyond the forest hideouts, involving informants, logistics providers, and individuals allegedly linked to positions of authority.

“These people may be having the backing of those in power,” he said.

He narrated an incident he claimed occurred around 2 a.m. while in captivity, in which a phone conversation among the abductors suggested access to ammunition supply networks.

“One of the days I was there around 2 a.m., this issue came up. Somebody called and said, ‘Please, Kachala, are you ready to buy 10 cartons of ammunition?’”

“He said, ‘Yes, but let me finish with one old man.’ After the call, when he spoke to me, I jokingly said, ‘Put me inside this business now.’”

According to him, the response he received was revealing.

“He said, ‘Who are you? You are a retired general. You don’t have an office. We are talking to people who are in office now.’”

Tsiga said the experience left him convinced that the operations of the bandits may not be entirely isolated, but potentially connected to broader networks of support beyond their immediate environment.