Military Sets The Record Straight: No Ransom Was Involved In Tsiga’s Release, DHQ Affirms

A retired brigadier-general had recently claimed that fellow generals contributed ransom funds to free Tsiga. However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Defence Information strongly denied these allegations, asserting that Tsiga’s release was solely the result of military operations, not ransom payments.

Gusau clarified that these claims were at odds with the operations carried out by the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, who successfully conducted a search-and-rescue mission to free Tsiga.

Tsiga had been abducted from his home on February 5, along with several others, in Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State. After spending 56 days in captivity, he was released on Wednesday.

Gusau further detailed that the military’s efforts in locating Tsiga extended across suspected bandit hideouts in Zamfara and other northern regions, with combined ground and air operations playing a crucial role in his release.

The DHQ labeled the online report as a malicious attempt to discredit the military’s efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the northwest.

The statement reiterated that Tsiga’s rescue was a result of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, with troops being swiftly mobilized after the abduction.

“Immediately, 17 Brigade troops were alerted and responded promptly at 0300 hours the same day. In a show of professionalism, they pursued the kidnappers in conjunction with air support from Operation Fansan Yamma,” Gusau said.

The coordinated efforts, which included ground troops and air support, focused on bandit hideouts in Kankara and Faskari Local Government Areas. While no direct contact with the kidnappers was made, the military’s actions pressured the criminals to abandon their victims during their retreat.

Subsequent air operations at Dunya Hill, where Tsiga was held, disrupted the bandits’ operations, leading to the release of several other captives.

The DHQ concluded by reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and emphasized that Tsiga’s life was invaluable, with every necessary action taken to ensure his successful rescue.