The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims suggesting that financial contributions by senior military officers facilitated the release of retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, stating categorically that his rescue was the result of a sustained military operation.
The DHQ made this known in response to a publication by Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi (rtd), which alleged that military generals pooled resources to secure the retired officer’s freedom after 56 days in captivity.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military described the narrative as misleading and an unfortunate attempt to undermine the dedicated efforts of troops involved in the Search and Rescue operations under Operation FANSAR YANMA.
“The publication fails to acknowledge the tireless and coordinated efforts of troops who, along with aerial support, relentlessly combed through difficult terrain to locate and free General Tsiga,” the statement read.
General Tsiga, a former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted in the early hours of February 6, 2025, in Tsiga town, Kafur District, Katsina State. Troops from 17 Brigade, backed by air components, swiftly launched operations to track down the assailants across several locations, including Jeka, Areda, Zango, Ruwan Lafiya, Matallawa, and Bakkai.
Despite the complex terrain and evasive tactics by the kidnappers, the military maintained pressure, conducting precision strikes and sustained ground offensives. The operations led to the release of multiple captives, including Barau Garba, a secondary school teacher abducted alongside the General. Barau was successfully rescued and reunited with his family.
In one of the intensified missions, 84 victims were freed during assaults on Pauwa Hills and Matallawa, although General Tsiga remained in captivity at that time. Credible intelligence later guided airstrikes to Dunya Hill a suspected hideout forcing the abductors to flee and leading to the eventual rescue of several captives.
The DHQ emphasized that both kinetic and non-kinetic measures were employed, with General Tsiga’s safety remaining paramount throughout the operation.
“It is disheartening that such misleading narratives are being circulated, especially by individuals who should understand the complexities of counter-terrorism operations,” the statement added.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to national security and urged citizens to support ongoing operations by sharing credible information that could aid in eradicating terrorism and banditry in the North-West and across Nigeria.