The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims that a ransom was paid to secure the release of former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Mahrazu Tsiga (retired), who was abducted in Katsina State and held captive for 56 days.

The DHQ’s clarification comes in response to a report by Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, which alleged that military generals contributed funds to pay for General Tsiga’s release. In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military described Abdullahi’s narrative as “misleading” and a disservice to the troops who carried out the complex search and rescue mission.

“This article clearly contradicts the relentless efforts made by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma who embarked on search and rescue operations, alongside non-kinetic strategies, to secure the release of General Tsiga,” the statement read.

Recounting the events, the DHQ noted that General Tsiga was kidnapped in the early hours of February 6, 2025, in Tsiga, Kafur LGA of Katsina State. Troops from the 17 Brigade responded immediately and initiated a coordinated pursuit, involving both ground forces and the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma. The operations spanned multiple locations in Katsina and Zamfara States, including Jeka, Areda, Zango, Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, Matallawa, and Bakkai.

The military confirmed that, although they initially failed to establish direct contact with the abductors, sustained pressure led to the release of several captives. One of those freed, a teacher named Barau Garba who had been held with General Tsiga, was rescued and later reunited with his family. His account was shared via video, further debunking ransom-related claims.

Air strikes were later launched at Dunya Hill, a suspected terrorist stronghold linked to notorious bandit leader Ado Aliero. Though General Tsiga couldn’t escape due to health concerns, the attacks reportedly disrupted the abductors’ activities.

Additional operations across Pauwa Hills and other forested areas resulted in the rescue of 84 kidnapped victims, while several terrorists were neutralized. Three military personnel sustained injuries during the operations.

The DHQ emphasized that since Tsiga’s abduction, troops had been consistently active, using both intelligence-driven and direct combat tactics in multiple LGAs believed to be harboring the kidnappers. “Troops worked day and night, often at great risk to their lives, to locate and rescue the senior officer,” the statement emphasized.

Dismissing General Abdullahi’s ransom claim as “mischief,” the DHQ reiterated that the military remained committed to securing peace in the region through both kinetic and non-kinetic means.

“The public is encouraged to continue supporting our troops by providing credible intelligence,” the statement concluded.