We were kept with hyenas, scorpions, snakes, ex-NYSC DG recounts ordeal in terrorists’ den

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Retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has shared his harrowing experience after spending 56 days in captivity, narrowly escaping death multiple times. Tsiga, who was abducted alongside nine others from his hometown in Katsina State on February 5, was freed and reunited with his family in Abuja on Thursday.

The rescue, coordinated by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, also secured the release of 18 other victims. Tsiga described his survival as miraculous, recounting constant threats from both his captors and wild animals in their mountainous hideout.

“Just days ago, a hyena prowled near us, eyeing us as prey,” he revealed. The retired general detailed how they slept alongside venomous snakes and scorpions, with terrorists using high-profile captives like himself as human shields during military strikes.

“When under attack, they would position us in the line of fire, hoping airstrikes would hit us instead. But God intervened,” Tsiga said, recalling an unexploded rocket placed where he slept—a trap that failed.

He condemned the terrorists’ brutal treatment, including meager and unsafe food rations, and accused them of targeting government officials and uniformed personnel for ransom. “They believe the government pays to keep us alive,” he stated.

Tsiga noted that the kidnappers only feared military aircraft, showing no reverence for God but panicking at the sound of air raids. He urged Nigerians to unite in combating insecurity, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

“We cannot rely solely on the government. Everyone must contribute to this fight,” he emphasized, expressing gratitude for his survival.

The Office of the National Security Adviser has not yet provided additional details on the rescue mission or strategies to address the surge in kidnappings nationwide.