Kidnappers demand N250 million ransom for former NYSC DG

Tamarauemi Ebimini

Kidnappers of retired Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have demanded a ransom of N250 million for his release.

General Tsiga was abducted late Wednesday night when a group of heavily armed men stormed his residence in Katsina State.

The assailants surrounded the premises, forcefully broke into the property, and took control of the situation.

The retired general reportedly stepped outside to confront the intruders before being seized.

Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai, a federal lawmaker representing the Bakori/Danja Federal Constituency, confirmed the incident. He described the abduction as a troubling development, calling for intensified efforts by security agencies to secure the retired general’s release.

Security operatives have since launched a manhunt to track down the assailants, but authorities have yet to provide updates on the progress of the investigation.

A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Daily Trust that the kidnappers contacted the family on Friday, demanding a hefty ransom of N250 million. “We are still in shock. The demand is overwhelming, and the family is pleading for his safe return,” the source said.

General Tsiga, a respected figure in Katsina and beyond, served as the Director-General of the NYSC, where he made significant contributions to youth development and national service programs in Nigeria.

His abduction is the latest in a string of kidnapping incidents that have plagued the region in recent years, raising fresh concerns over security in Katsina and other parts of the North-West.