How we raised ransom to free ex-NYSC DG – Ex-Army General
A retired Nigerian Army General, Ismaila Abdullahi, has revealed the efforts he and others made to raise the ransom for the release of retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga.
Tsiga, the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted.
In a “Note of Appreciation,” the retired Brigadier General shared details of how the ransom was raised to free Tsiga, following his abduction. This note was addressed to all those who contributed funds for the purpose.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who handed over Tsiga to his family in Abuja on Thursday, did not mention anything about the ransom. He however praised the troops’ role in rescuing Tsiga and others in various operations.
Abdullahi’s heartfelt “Note of Appreciation” reads as follows:
GENERAL MI TSIGA: A NOTE OF APPRECIATION
Date: 4th April 2025
I, Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, on behalf of Brigadier General MI Tsiga, his family, friends, and associates, wish to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for your generous and unexpected contributions in our efforts to secure General MI Tsiga’s freedom.
From the moment he was forcibly taken from his residence in Tsiga Town, Bakori LGA of Katsina State, on the 5th of February 2025, we began working tirelessly to bring him back.
Upon hearing of the kidnapping, Major General LB Bunza and I immediately began discussing possible strategies to ensure General Tsiga’s safe release. By the 9th of February 2025, we established a WhatsApp platform, simply named “TSIGA,” to keep the public informed about the ongoing situation.
As the days passed and the bandits made their ransom demand of 400,000,000 naira, we made the decision to solicit donations through the TSIGA platform. The response was overwhelming. Over 300 members joined the platform, including retired and serving military officers, civilians from various walks of life, university lecturers, ambassadors, and businesspeople.
To ensure transparency, General Bunza and I agreed that all contributions would be directed into General Tsiga’s personal bank account.
I asked Kamal, General Tsiga’s son, to provide his father’s account details, which he did promptly. I then shared these details on the platform, encouraging members to donate in support of General Tsiga’s family in meeting the ransom demands.
The response was astonishing—donations poured in like “August rains.” Initially, I provided updates on the amount of funds received, but for security reasons, some members advised against sharing these details, so I ceased posting the daily contributions.
From the 22nd of February 2025, when donations began, until the 15th of March 2025, it became evident that together, we could make a difference.
On behalf of General MI Tsiga, his family, friends, colleagues, and all involved, I express our heartfelt thanks for your tremendous support—whether financial, moral, or spiritual—as we worked together to ensure his safe return.
Today, 4th April 2025, I conclude my humble task of keeping the public informed about General Tsiga’s ordeal. As I write this, I feel a great sense of fulfillment knowing that our collective efforts have led to the successful release of General MI Tsiga.
Thank you and farewell.
Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi (Rtd)
4th April 2025
