Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga Kidnapping: Family Demands Urgent Government Action

Editor 7 days agoLast Updated: March 7, 2025

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Tsiga Still in Captivity After 30 Days, No Rescue Efforts from Government

The family and friends of Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd.) are demanding swift action from the Federal Government to secure his release from kidnappers.

Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted on February 5, 2025, in his hometown, Tsiga, Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State. The attack, carried out by armed bandits, left one person dead while at least nine others were kidnapped alongside the retired general.

Despite the passage of over 30 days, his family claims there has been no concrete effort from the government to rescue him.

Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga Kidnapping: Family Speaks Out

Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Friday, retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of Tsiga’s family, refuted reports that the former NYSC boss had been released.

He lamented the Federal Government’s silence, stating:

“We’re not asking for much. We just want the government to do its job and ensure that General Tsiga is rescued safely.”

The family also criticized the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) for its lack of response regarding the abduction of one of its prominent members.

Government Accused of Neglect in Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga Kidnapping

Tsiga’s associates have expressed disappointment over the failure of both the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government to communicate with his family or take decisive steps toward securing his release.

Abdullahi further condemned the government’s inaction, saying:

“It’s been 30 days, and we are yet to see any concrete action from the government.”

He criticized the Katsina State Government, calling its silence “deafening”, despite Tsiga being a prominent citizen of the state.

“A team from the Federal Government should have visited the family of General Tsiga to express concern. But till date, no one has deemed it fit to visit or even call the family.”

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Under Fire for Silence on Tsiga’s Abduction

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), an influential socio-political group in northern Nigeria, has also come under criticism for its lack of response regarding Tsiga’s abduction.

Abdullahi expressed frustration, saying:

“The ACF’s leadership has not deemed it fit to address this issue. Instead, they found time to issue a press statement on a scandal at the National Assembly.”

Nigerian Army’s Role in Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga Kidnapping Case

While acknowledging that the Nigerian Army is making efforts to locate Tsiga, Abdullahi criticized the military’s failure to reach out to the family.

“A simple gesture of sympathy and support would have gone a long way in alleviating the family’s distress.”

Calls for Urgent Action on Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga Kidnapping

Tsiga’s abduction has once again highlighted the growing insecurity in Katsina State and other parts of Nigeria.

His family, friends, and associates are urging the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive steps to ensure his immediate and safe return.

They are also calling for more proactive measures to tackle the rising wave of kidnappings across the country.

The Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga kidnapping is a national embarrassment, and stakeholders are calling on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize security reforms.

Analysts believe that improving intelligence gathering, strengthening military response, and engaging local communities will help in curbing rising cases of kidnapping.

The family, friends, and associates of Tsiga are making a final plea to the government:

“It’s time for the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive steps to ensure his safe return. We will not remain silent while our loved one remains in captivity.”