Hyenas Nearly Killed Me – Ex-NYSC DG Tsiga Recounts Harrowing Ordeal In Kidnappers’ Den

Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, General Maharazu Tsiga, has shared his harrowing experience while in captivity.

Tsiga, who was freed on Wednesday after spending 56 days in the kidnappers’ den, revealed that hyenas surrounded him and other hostages just a day before their release.

Tsiga was abducted on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tisga in the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, March 3, during the handover of 19 rescued victims to their families, Tsiga recounted the hardships he and others endured while in captivity.

“A day before I left there, that is, the day before yesterday, on the mountain where I was staying, unexpectedly, we looked around and saw hyenas parading, searching for food. And what kind of food? Us, the human beings,” he said.

He added that the hostages frequently encountered snakes and scorpions while in captivity.

Tsiga also revealed that the kidnappers used high-profile captives as human shields during aerial attacks.

“Whenever they were being attacked, sincerely speaking, they brought us out so that the aircraft could target us. But you know, God is merciful. The NSA has said it, and the CDS has said it – the good ones will continue to live.”

He recalled a terrifying moment when a rocket was fired at them but failed to detonate.

“They carried that rocket to where I was sleeping and hid it there so that immediately I woke up and touched it, it would explode. But God is merciful,” he said.

“They carried that rocket to where I was sleeping and hid it there so that immediately I woke up and touched it, it would explode. But God is merciful,” he said.

He explained that the kidnappers believed government officials in uniform always had access to money, which is why they used explosives to break into his house.

“They made claims that some of us are in uniform, and the government is always putting money for us to keep. And that is why they tried to open my house. They cannot and they had to use explosives to break into my house.”

Tsiga also revealed that the kidnappers feared aircraft more than they feared God.

“They don’t fear God. They tell you not to call God for them, just give them money. But immediately they see aircraft, even their cows start running.”