The Nigerian military has commenced a search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of former NYSC Director-General, Brig. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), by bandits in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attack, which occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, lasted three hours. The assailants killed one person, abducted at least nine others, and looted homes.
Eyewitnesses suggested Tsiga was the primary target, as his family members were left unharmed.
Troops, led by Brig. Gen. Babatunde Omopariola of the 17 Brigade, have been deployed to the forests to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
In response to rising kidnapping cases, the Federal Government has activated the toll-free emergency number 112 for Nigerians to report abductions and security threats. Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Centre, urged citizens to use the hotline to aid security efforts.
Despite a 16.3% decline in kidnapping incidents in 2024, the number of victims slightly increased, with Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states accounting for the highest cases.
The government vows to strengthen counter-kidnapping measures and disrupt ransom-driven abductions in 2025.