Ex-NYSC DG regains freedom after 22 days in bandits’ net

A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maharazu Tsiga, regained freedom on Friday after spending 22 days in captivity. A source confirmed to Channels Television on Friday night that Tsiga had been released. He said General Tsiga is receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital for security reasons.

The gunmen, led by notorious bandit kingpin Babaro, had demanded N250 million for Tsiga’s release. But it is unclear if any money was paid for his freedom. Government officials and security agencies, including the Katsina State Police Command, were yet to comment on Tsiga’s freedom.

The former NYSC DG was abducted by an unspecified number of bandits on February 6, 2025, at his residence in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. During the attack, two persons sustained various degrees of injuries. One of the gunmen was mistakenly shot dead by a member of his gang.