A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), retired Major General Mahrazu Tsiga, has been abducted by suspected bandits in Tsiga village, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when heavily armed assailants stormed the residence of the retired General, kidnapping him alongside several other residents. A local resident confirmed the attack to Channels Television via a phone call on Thursday.
During the brief but violent raid, two residents sustained injuries, while one of the bandits was reportedly killed by accidental gunfire from his own group.
As of now, the Katsina State Government and the police have yet to release an official statement regarding the abduction.
Katsina State remains one of the regions in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central zones plagued by banditry, with frequent raids resulting in kidnappings, killings, and widespread destruction of properties.
The gangs, who maintain camps in a huge forest straddling Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states, have earned notoriety for mass kidnappings of students from schools in recent years.
In 2023, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, established Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) comprising around 2,000 vigilantes to assist the military and police in fighting the gangs.
‘We Won’t Negotiate With Criminals’
Governor Radda has stated that his administration will not engage in negotiations with criminal elements responsible for perpetrating evil acts in Katsina State.
Speaking on January 22 during a courtesy visit by Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation, at the Katsina Government House, the governor underscored that peace agreements with bandits would only be considered under specific conditions designed to ensure lasting peace. He noted that such negotiations would require the full acceptance and active involvement of the affected communities.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor disclosed the formation of a stakeholder engagement committee aimed at fostering community participation in peace-building efforts. He also expressed readiness to support individuals demonstrating genuine repentance and a commitment to reintegration.
Governor Radda further pledged ongoing logistical support to tackle fuel supply challenges and maintain operational effectiveness. He highlighted Katsina State’s significant investment in security infrastructure, which he said exceeds that of many other states in the federation.
The governor commended the exemplary leadership of the Division and Brigade Commanders, acknowledging their hands-on approach and unwavering dedication to addressing security challenges. He emphasized that the combined efforts of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, and Katsina Community Watch Corps have brought notable improvements to the state’s security situation.
“The bandits are our brothers born within us but choose to be criminals. Those who sincerely surrender and seek to rebuild their lives will find support from our administration,” the governor assured.
“We are prepared to provide resources for their reintegration and livestock management, enabling them to become productive members of society,” he added.
“Our farmers can now cultivate their lands and transport their produce to the market,” Governor Radda said.
“This tangible progress demonstrates the effectiveness of our joint security strategies,” he stated.
Earlier in his address, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose explained that he was in Katsina State as part of his first quarter operational visit to all states under the 8th Division which includes Katsina and to discuss with the State Government, the newly launched Operation Safe Northwest.
“This initiative aims to mobilize communities, enhance security operations, and foster sustainable peace,” he explained.
Major General Ajose further noted that the Chief of Defense Staff had written to the four states within the Zone on the recent developments, particularly reports of some bandits expressing interest in negotiating peace.
“It is important to state categorically that the Nigerian Army does not engage in negotiations with criminals or bandits, we are committed to exploring holistic approaches to address this persistent and wicked challenge,” he said.
The GOC however, expressed appreciation to Governor Radda for the consistent support to security operations in the state. Major General Ajose cited the release of funds for the development of a Forward Operating Base (FOB).
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe, Chief of Staff; AbdulKadir Mamman Nasir; Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji Principal Private Secretary to the governor and some members of the state executive council.