Bandits have reportedly kidnapped the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brgd. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Tsiga, was kidnapped alongside nice other residents of Tsiga village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State on Wednesday night.
According to a relative of Tsiga, who craved anonymity, on Thursday said that the terrorists attacked the community at about 11:30p.m and moved straight into the residence of the former Army general after shooting sporadically.
He said the terrorists shot three members of the community, including the two sons of Tsiga’s neighbour before abducting him and nine other members to adjoining forests in the area.
The source said those who sustained injuries during the attack were receiving treatment at the Comprehensive Healthcare Centre in the community, “but we are planning to transfer them to Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, due to the gravity of their injuries”.
He said: “During the attack, General Muharazu Ibrahim Tsiga pleaded to give them all what they wanted, but the bandits declined his request and kidnapped him. They abducted nine other residents of the community.”
When asked about Tsiga’s family, the source said: “You know his family are not here with him. Only some of his relatives and personal security guards were with him during the attack, but the bandits kidnapped only him in the residence.”
Tsiga, according to family sources, has been battling with undisclosed illness since he left office.
Katsina is one of several states in the North-Western and North-Central that is terrorised by bandits who raid villages, kill and abduct residents as well as burn and loot homes.
The gangs, who maintain camps in a huge forest straddling Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states, have earned notoriety for mass kidnappings of students from schools in recent years.
In 2023, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, established Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) comprising around 2,000 vigilantes to assist the military and police in fighting the gangs.
‘We Won’t Negotiate With Criminals’
Meanwhile, Governor Radda said that his administration would not negotiate with criminal elements perpetuating evil acts in the state.
The governor disclosed this on January 22 while hosting the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Northwest Operation, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Katsina Government House, Katsina State.
He stressed that the government can only go into a peace deal with the bandits on some laid down conditions to ensure lasting peace. The governor added that the negotiation can only be successful with the full acceptance and involvement of the concerned members of the communities.
In a statement signed by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, his Chief Press Secretary, the governor revealed that a stakeholder engagement committee has already been established to ensure community involvement in peace-building initiatives, expressing openness to supporting genuine repentance and reintegration.
The governor while pledging continued logistical support to address fuel supply challenges and maintain operational effectiveness, further reaffirmed Katsina State’s substantial investment in security infrastructure, surpassing many states in the federation.
He therefore commended the exceptional leadership of the Division and Brigade Commanders, describing it as exemplary by personally leading operations and demonstrating unwavering dedication.
Governor Radda emphasized that these efforts, combined with the collaborative operations of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and Katsina Community Watch Corps, have yielded significant improvements in the state’s security.
“The bandits are our brothers born within us but choose to be criminals. Those who sincerely surrender and seek to rebuild their lives will find support from our administration,” the governor assured.
“We are prepared to provide resources for their reintegration and livestock management, enabling them to become productive members of society,” he added.
“Our farmers can now cultivate their lands and transport their produce to the market,” Governor Radda said.
“This tangible progress demonstrates the effectiveness of our joint security strategies,” he stated.
