The 15th Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd.), who regained freedom from kidnappers’ den on Wednesday after being held for 57 days, has recounted his harrowing experience in captivity, revealing that hyenas surrounded him and other hostages a day before their release.
During the handover of 19 rescued victims to their families in Abuja on Thursday, Tsiga, who was abducted on 5 February from his hometown of Tisga in the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, recounted the hardships he and others endured while in captivity.
He said: ‘A day before I left there, that is, the day before yesterday, on the mountain where I was staying, unexpectedly, we looked around and saw hyenas parading, searching for food. And what kind of food? Us, the human beings’.
He further said that the hostages frequently encountered snakes and scorpions while in captivity.
Describing how the kidnappers used high-profile captives as human shields during aerial attacks, Tsiga, who headed the NYSC between January 2009 and September 2011, said: ‘Whenever they were being attacked, sincerely speaking, they brought us out so that the aircraft could target us. But you know, God is merciful. The NSA has said it, and the CDS has said it – the good ones will continue to live’.
He recounted a particularly chilling experience when a rocket aimed at them failed to explode.
‘They carried that rocket to where I was sleeping and hid it there so that immediately I woke up and touched it, it would explode. But God is merciful’, he said.
According to him, the kidnappers believed that government officials in uniform always had access to money, which led them to break into his house using explosives.
“They made claims that, for some of us are in uniform, and the government is always putting money for us to keep. And that is why they tried to open my house. They cannot and they had to use explosives to break into my house’, he said.
Tsiga also disclosed that the kidnappers feared aircraft more than they feared God.
He said: ‘They don’t fear God. They tell you not to call God for them, just give them money. But immediately they see aircraft, even their cows start running’.
Describing the harsh conditions in captivity, Tsiga revealed that they were given food only once a week and had to survive on Tuwo Dawa.
‘I am hypotensive, and the only thing they could use was salt. Even if you are not a doctor, you know that there are foods people with hypertension should not eat. Now, look at me; I cannot climb these steps. It is all as a result of the salt and the beatings we endured’, he lamented.
Tsiga emphasised the importance of collective security efforts, stating: ‘We should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must contribute. Security is a collective responsibility’.
He urged citizens to provide timely and accurate intelligence to security agencies, stressing that they are not magicians but rely on good information to act effectively.
Former Deputy Head of Mission in Pretoria, South Africa, Ambassador Gideon Yohana, who was among those rescued, expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and security agencies for their efforts in securing their release.
He acknowledged the Federal Government’s support and noted improvements in security across several states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger.
‘We know that security forces are working quietly behind the scenes, and it is not an easy task. We also heard while in captivity about the rescue of a General. We thank God that he is also free now. The security agencies are continuing their work to ensure that our nation achieves lasting peace’, Yohana said.
