A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retired), has described his 56-day captivity in a terrorist camp as an experience of “hell.”
Speaking in Abuja after being reunited with his family, Tsiga credited his survival to divine mercy. He was among 18 victims rescued by security forces and presented to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Tsiga was abducted on February 5 from his hometown, Tsiga, in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, alongside nine others.
Life in Captivity: Wild Animals and Human Shields
Recounting his ordeal, Tsiga said the hostages not only endured the brutality of their captors but also faced constant threats from wild animals.
“Two days ago, a hyena circled our camp, looking for food—us,” he said. “We lived among snakes and scorpions. The terrorists, knowing my rank, used me as a human shield during airstrikes.”
He revealed that a rocket once landed near them but failed to detonate. “They placed it where I slept, hoping I would trigger an explosion. But God is merciful,” he added.
Starvation and the Fear of Airstrikes
Tsiga described the meager food they received as another threat to survival. He said the terrorists believed the government was paying ransom for uniformed personnel, which made their situation even more precarious.
He noted that the militants feared only military airstrikes. “They don’t fear God, but they fear fighter jets,” he said.
A Call to Action
Urging collective action against insecurity, Tsiga emphasized that protecting the nation is a shared responsibility.
“We cannot sit back and expect the government to do it alone. We must all be involved,” he said. “I thank Almighty God for giving us another chance at life.”
(NAN)
