Ex-NYSC DG Tsiga’s Terrifying Encounter with Hyenas

Hyenas Nearly Killed Me: Ex-NYSC DG Tsiga’s Ordeal

​Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has recounted his harrowing experience during his recent abduction, revealing that hyenas nearly killed him and other hostages while in captivity.

Details of the Ordeal:

• Abduction and Captivity: Tsiga was abducted on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tisga in Katsina State’s Bakori Local Government Area. He spent 56 days in captivity before being rescued.
• Dangerous Wildlife Encounters: During his captivity, Tsiga and fellow hostages were surrounded by hyenas seeking human prey. He recalled, “We looked around and saw hyenas parading, searching for food. And what kind of food? Us, the human beings.”
• Harsh Conditions: The hostages were confined in a dense forest teeming with dangerous animals, including snakes and scorpions. They were provided with food only once a week, consisting mainly of Tuwo Dawa, a local dish. Tsiga, who has hypertension, suffered health issues due to the inadequate diet.
• Human Shields and Aerial Attacks: The kidnappers used high-profile captives like Tsiga as human shields during military aerial attacks, placing them in harm’s way to deter airstrikes. Tsiga recounted a chilling incident where a rocket aimed at them failed to explode, describing how the kidnappers hid the unexploded device near his sleeping area, intending for it to detonate upon contact.
• Home Invasion Attempt: Believing that government officials in uniform had access to funds, the kidnappers attempted to break into Tsiga’s residence using explosives, though they were unsuccessful.

Tsiga expressed gratitude for his rescue and commended the efforts of national security officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. ​