A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Mahrazu Tsiga (retired), has been kidnapped alongside several residents of Tsiga village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Eyewitnesses reported that gunmen, suspected to be bandits, stormed Tsiga’s residence on Wednesday, wielding sophisticated weapons.
The attack, which lasted only a few minutes, left two residents injured, while one of the attackers was mistakenly shot and killed by his colleagues.
Local sources confirmed the abduction, though the Katsina State Government and the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Katsina State, like other states in the North-West and North-Central regions, has been plagued by banditry.
Criminal gangs, operating from vast forested areas spanning Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states, have been responsible for mass kidnappings, killings, and destruction of villages.
In response, Governor Dikko Umar Radda launched the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) in 2023.
The force, consisting of 2,000 vigilantes, was established to support security agencies in combating banditry.
Governor Radda has reiterated that his administration will not negotiate with bandits unless certain conditions are met.
Speaking on January 22 during a courtesy visit by Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Radda emphasized that any peace deal must involve community members and be structured to ensure long-term security.
“We will not engage criminals in negotiations,” Radda stated. “However, we are open to supporting genuine repentance and reintegration efforts through structured initiatives.”
The governor highlighted Katsina’s substantial investment in security infrastructure and expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence, and KCWC.
He commended the leadership of security agencies for their dedication and noted that recent efforts have led to tangible improvements, allowing farmers to cultivate their lands without fear.
During the meeting, Major General Ajose affirmed that the Nigerian Army does not negotiate with criminals.
He explained that his visit was part of an operational assessment of states under the 8th Division and to discuss the newly launched Operation Safe Northwest.
“This initiative aims to enhance security operations, engage communities, and promote sustainable peace,” Ajose explained.
He acknowledged reports of some bandits expressing willingness to surrender but emphasized that military operations would continue uninterrupted.
The visit also included discussions on funding for a new Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina, which is expected to strengthen security operations in the state.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe, Chief of Staff AbdulKadir Mamman Nasir, and members of the state executive council.
