Bandits Abduct Former NYSC DG and Others in Katsina

Gunmen have kidnapped a former Director-General of the NYSC and several others in Katsina, escalating concerns over rising insecurity in Nigeria’s northern region.

Suspected bandit gunmen have abducted Major General Mahrazu Tsiga (retired), a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Tsiga was abducted along with several other residents of Tsiga village in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A local resident verified the incident to Channels Television during a phone call on Thursday.

He stated that the abduction took place on Wednesday when armed criminals, equipped with sophisticated weapons, stormed the home of the former NYSC Director General.

The government of Katsina State and the police have not yet released a statement regarding the recent abduction.

According to eyewitnesses, the former NYSC Director General was reportedly one of the individuals kidnapped by the assailants.

According to sources, during the attack which lasted only a few minutes, two residents were injured and one of the assailants was accidentally shot dead by his own associates.

Katsina is among several states in the North-Western and North-Central regions that face terror from bandits who raid villages, kill and abduct residents, as well as burn homes and loot property.

The gangs, based in a vast forest spanning the states of Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger, have gained infamy for carrying out mass kidnappings of students from schools over recent years.

In 2023, Dikko Umar Radda, the Governor of Katsina State, formed the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC), enlisting approximately 2,000 vigilantes to support the military and police in combating gang activities.

“We refuse to negotiate with criminals.”

Meanwhile, Governor Radda stated that his administration would refuse to negotiate with criminal elements responsible for committing evil acts in the state.

The governor revealed this information on January 22 during a courtesy visit at the Katsina Government House in Katsina State, where he hosted Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation.

He emphasized that the government can enter into a peace agreement with the bandits only under certain established conditions to secure lasting peace. The governor also noted that the negotiation would be successful only if it gains full acceptance and involvement from the community members involved.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor announced that a stakeholder engagement committee has been set up to promote community involvement in peace-building efforts. He also expressed willingness to support sincere repentance and reintegration initiatives.

The governor pledged ongoing logistical support to tackle fuel supply challenges and ensure operational effectiveness, while also reiterating that Katsina State has made significant investments in security infrastructure, exceeding those of many other states in the federation.

He praised the Division and Brigade Commanders for their exceptional leadership, noting it as exemplary due to their personal involvement in operations and steadfast dedication.

Governor Radda highlighted that these initiatives, along with the joint operations of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, and Katsina Community Watch Corps, have led to substantial enhancements in the state’s security.

“The governor assured that the bandits are our brothers, born among us but having chosen a path of crime. For those who genuinely surrender and wish to rebuild their lives, they will receive support from our administration.”

“We are ready to offer resources for their reintegration and livestock management, helping them become productive members of society,” he added.

Governor Radda stated, “Our farmers are now able to work their fields and deliver their produce to the market.”

“This concrete progress shows the success of our collaborative security strategies,” he stated.

Earlier in his address, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose stated that he was visiting Katsina State as part of his initial quarterly operational tour of all states within the 8th Division’s jurisdiction, which includes Katsina. His visit also aimed to discuss the newly launched Operation Safe Northwest with the State Government.

“This initiative seeks to engage communities, improve security measures, and promote lasting peace,” he explained.

Major General Ajose also mentioned that the Chief of Defense Staff had communicated with the four states in the Zone regarding recent developments, specifically noting reports about certain bandits showing interest in negotiating peace.

“It is crucial to clearly affirm that the Nigerian Army does not partake in negotiations with criminals or bandits. We are dedicated to pursuing comprehensive strategies to tackle this enduring and malicious issue,” he said.

Nevertheless, the GOC conveyed gratitude to Governor Radda for his unwavering support of security operations in the state. Major General Ajose acknowledged the allocation of funds for establishing a Forward Operating Base (FOB).

Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe, Chief of Staff AbdulKadir Mamman Nasir, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji (Principal Private Secretary to the governor), and several members of the state executive council attended the meeting.