Close friends and colleagues of former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (DG NYSC), Brig-Gen. Maharazu Ismail Tsiga, who was abducted from his home in Tsiga town, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State February 5, have raised the alarm over the continued captivity of the retired army general.
Addressing a press conference on behalf of the colleagues, friends and family of Gen. Tsiga, Brig-General Ismaila Abdullahi (rtd) debunked the news that the former NYSC DG had been released, describing it as fake.
He, however, wondered why the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) continues to remain silent over Tsiga’s abduction even as an active member of the forum.
He said: “I am here today to speak to you on behalf of Gen. Tsiga’s family, colleagues, friends and associates on his abduction.
This has become necessary because of the fake news in the media that the General has been released.
“General M.I. Tsiga has not been released as I speak to you today, being 7th March, 2025.
As you are all aware, Gen. M. I. Tsiga was abducted by people believed to be bandits from his house in Tsiga town, Bakori LGA in Katsina State on 5th February, 2025.
“Today, 7th March, 2025, General Tsiga has been in the hands of these bandits (in the bush) for exactly 30 days (one month).
“Fake news has been going round that Gen. Tsiga has been released. I want to tell you that as of this morning, General Tsiga is still in captivity in the bush.”
He expressed displeasure with the failure of the federal and Katsina State governments to visit and sympathise with his family.
He said: “Our political leaders must change their attitudes on leadership and service to the people.
“We the friends, colleagues and associates of Gen. M. I. Tsiga are still in shock over the complete silence of the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on the abduction of General M. I. Tsiga.
“Today, Gen. M. I. Tsiga has been in captivity for 30 days and the leadership of ACF has not deemed it fit to address the issue (at least a press release).
“We are aware that General M. I. Tsiga is an active member of ACF. The General went missing for 30 days and the leadership of ACF remained quiet.
“But funny enough, the ACF leadership found time and resources to issue a press statement on the scandal between the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on 1st March 2025.
“This press statement came after our dear General M I Tsiga’s abduction 23 days ago.
“We are forced to ask the ACF leadership here which is more important between the abduction of Gen. M. I. Tsiga and the scandal at the National Assembly.
“We view this ACF attitude as lucky in empathy. Indeed this ACF leadership attitude in respect to General M. I. Tsiga was unacceptable.
