Bandits Receive Support from Those in Power, Former NYSC DG Claims

Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig‑Gen Maharazu Tsiga, retired, has claimed that bandits terrorising Nigerian communities may be receiving support from powerful individuals in government and other positions of authority.

Tsiga made the remarks during a press conference in Kaduna, where he also spoke about the late Major‑General Rabe Abubakar, retired, who died while in bandits’ captivity in Katsina State.

Earlier this year, Tsiga was himself kidnapped from his hometown in Katsina. He described the ordeal he endured while held by the bandits.

“These people may have the backing of those in power. I heard when someone called their leader at 2 a.m and said, ‘Please, Kachala, are you ready to buy 10 cartons of ammunition?’

“I jokingly asked him to put me inside this business now when he was through with the call, but he asked who I am.”

“He said you are a retired general. You don’t have office. We are talking to people who are in office now,” Tsiga recounted.