Ex-NYSC boss, Tsiga, former ambassador recount ordeal in kidnappers’ den

The rescued former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and Ambassador Gedion Yohana, a former Deputy Head of Mission in Pretoria, South Africa, on Thursday recounted their harrowing experiences in kidnappers’ den. long with others.

Speaking on Thursday during their handover to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja, the former NYSC boss lamented that the experience was bitter and saddening.

He said, ” A day before I left there—that is, the day before yesterday—on the mountain where I was staying, unexpectedly, we just looked around, and what did we see? Hyenas parading around us, looking for food. And what kind of food? We, the human beings.”

He recounted how captives had to co-exist with deadly creatures such as snakes and scorpions.

“Those of us whose ranks were known—whenever they were being attacked, sincerely speaking—they brought us out so that the aircraft could target us. But you know, God is merciful,” he added.

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Tsiga also narrated a terrifying moment when a rocket was placed near him as a trap.

“When a rocket was sent to us, it did not explode. They carried that rocket to where I was sleeping and kept it there, hiding it so that immediately I woke up and touched it, it would explode. That is why I say, God is merciful.”

The former NYSC boss emphasised the need for collective efforts in addressing security challenges in the country.

He said, “Security is a collective responsibility. We should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must do it ourselves.”

He disclosed that the kidnappers were more afraid of aircraft than anything else, saying, “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 run. Therefore, we should try as much as possible to support the government’s efforts in tackling insecurity.”

Tsiga also lamented the poor treatment they received, stating that they were only given food once a day.

He said, “They give you food once in a day, and it is Tuwo Dawa. I am hypertensive. The only thing they can use is salt. If you continue to eat that way—now look at me—I cannot climb this step. It is all as a result of the salt and the beating that they gave us.”

Also speaking at the event, Ambassador Gedion Yohana, a former Deputy Head of Mission in Pretoria, South Africa, who was among those rescued, expressed gratitude to the security agencies and the government for their efforts in securing their release.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the Office of the NSA, the CDS, and all security agencies who have worked tirelessly to bring us back. We know it has not been easy,” Yohana said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s support for the security operations that led to their rescue, noting that significant progress has been made in reducing violent activities in some parts of the country.

“All of us know the news around the country now. There is some quiet in the Northwest, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger states. There used to be a lot of noise, but now there is some quietness due to the hard work of our security forces,” he concluded. 

Yohana also acknowledged the continued efforts of security agencies to restore peace in the nation and expressed hope that their work would bring lasting stability.

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