Defence Headquarters denies claims of Generals’ financial contribution in release of Rtd. Brig.-Gen. Tsiga

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly refuted claims suggesting that military generals contributed money to secure the release of retired Brigadier General Mahrazu Tsiga, who was held captive for 56 days.

In a statement released on Monday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, clarified that claims made by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi contradicted the extensive efforts made by the military to secure Tsiga’s freedom.

Gusau stressed that these allegations undermined the significant work carried out by troops involved in Operation Fansan Yamma.

Gusau explained that the search and rescue operation launched by military personnel, alongside other non-kinetic measures, was instrumental in the release of General Tsiga.

The former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had been abducted in early February.

The Defence spokesperson also pointed out that Abdullahi’s statement, in which he thanked various senior officers and civilians for their contributions, misrepresented the role of the military in securing Tsiga’s release.

Gusau suggested that engaging with critics who had benefitted from the military’s efforts might be counterproductive but felt it was necessary to clarify the relentless actions taken by the military.

The abduction of General Tsiga occurred on the morning of February 6, 2025, in Tsiga, Kafur District, Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State.

In response, troops from the 17 Brigade were mobilized and, in coordination with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, launched an immediate search.

The military combed various areas within Kankara and Faskari Local Government Areas, putting immense pressure on the abductors.

Although direct contact with the assailants was not made, their retreat led to the release of several captives.

The operation extended over multiple weeks, with intensified efforts beginning on February 8, 2025.

The troops targeted areas known to be strongholds of terrorist kingpins, including raids at Yankuzo and Gidan Dankaka in Zamfara.

Air operations were also conducted at Dunya Hill, where Tsiga was believed to be held, eventually leading to the escape of several captives.

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Despite the challenging terrain and risks faced by the troops, their determination never wavered. Gusau emphasized that military operations, both air and ground, kept up the pressure on the abductors.

While they had not initially located General Tsiga, they managed to rescue 84 other victims from the Kankara area.

In an important breakthrough, one of the captives, Barau Garba, a teacher from Tsiga, was freed and later shared his experience through a video. He was reunited with his family shortly after his rescue.

The Defence Headquarters reiterated that it was crucial to recognize the sacrifices made by the military personnel involved in the operation.

Gusau stated that the disparaging online claims against the military were likely motivated by mischief and sought to undermine the ongoing efforts to combat terrorists and criminal elements in the North West.

The Defence spokesman concluded by urging the public to continue supporting the military through credible intelligence to ensure the success of ongoing operations and the restoration of peace and security across the country.