Bandits receive support from those in power, says former NYSC DG.

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

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

Tsiga, who himself was kidnapped earlier this year from his hometown in Katsina, described a harrowing experience while held captive by the bandits.

The former NYSC DG recounted that his time with the bandits revealed a troubling support network operating beyond the forested areas, involving informants, logistics suppliers and individuals allegedly linked to positions of influence.

“These people may be having the backing of those in power. One of the days I was there around 2 a.m., this issue came up. Somebody called and said, ‘Please, Kachala, are you ready to buy 10 cartons of ammunition?’

“He said, ‘Yes, but let me finish with one old man.’ When he finished talking and was talking to me, I asked him jokingly, ‘put me inside this business now.’

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