The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims that the recent release of retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga was secured through financial contributions by senior military officers. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DHQ affirmed that it was a coordinated military operation by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA that facilitated the general’s freedom after 56 days in captivity.

The clarification follows a publication by Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi (rtd), which suggested that top-ranking officers had pooled resources to secure Tsiga’s release. DHQ described the report as “misleading” and “a calculated attempt to undermine the military’s efforts,” emphasizing that troops conducted extensive search and rescue operations alongside non-kinetic efforts to bring the retired general home safely.

General Tsiga, a former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was abducted in the early hours of 6 February 2025 in Tsiga, Kafur District of Katsina State. Responding swiftly around 0300 hours that same day, troops from the 17 Brigade, supported by the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched a pursuit of the assailants.

The military said the operation involved intense combing of hideouts in Jeka, Areda, Zango (Kankara LGA), and extended to Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, Matallawa, and Bakkai in Faskari LGA. Although no direct contact was initially made with the abductors, sustained pressure from the troops led to the abandonment of rustled livestock and other captives by the criminals.

Credible intelligence later guided troops to intensify operations on 8 February, targeting terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero’s known hideouts in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. Though the operations did not yield direct arrests, air raids on Dunya Hill, a suspected stronghold where General Tsiga was believed to be held, disrupted the terrorists, leading to the escape of several captives.

One such captive, Barau Garba, a teacher at Government Secondary School, Tsiga, was rescued and later reunited with his family. Garba’s eyewitness account confirmed that the retired general had remained in captivity due to health constraints during the escape.

In a separate assault on Pauwa Hills and Matallawa area of Kankara LGA, troops rescued 84 kidnapped victims and neutralized several bandits. However, General Tsiga was not found at the scene. The operation saw three soldiers sustain gunshot wounds.

The military reaffirmed that since the abduction, ground and air components of the operation have continued to exert pressure on the abductors in Danmusa, Kankara, and Faskari LGAs. These sustained actions, DHQ said, ultimately facilitated the general’s release.

“Any claim downplaying these sacrifices or suggesting a financial transaction undermines the professionalism and dedication of our troops,” the statement read. “The life of General Tsiga is invaluable, and all necessary kinetic and non-kinetic strategies were deployed to ensure a successful rescue mission.”

DHQ urged the public to disregard misleading narratives and continue supporting the military with credible intelligence as it works to maintain peace and security across the country.