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Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi (retd.) has said that the release of retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), who was abducted from his Katsina State home on February 5, 2025, was facilitated by generous financial contributions from fellow army generals, serving and retired military officers, and a wide spectrum of civilians.
In a note of appreciation shared on Facebook on Sunday, on behalf of Tsiga and his associates, Abdullahi detailed the community-driven effort that secured the retired general’s freedom.
He highlighted the role of a WhatsApp platform named “TSIGA,” created on February 9th, 2025, to coordinate information and solicit donations after bandits demanded a N400 million ransom.
“The response was overwhelming. On this platform, we had over 300 members; made up of retired military officers, serving military officers, and civilians from all segments of our society, university lecturers, ambassadors, and businessmen,” Abdullahi stated in the message.
He further explained the transparent process of collecting funds, noting, “So, I asked Kamal (General Tsiga’s son) to send us his father’s bank account. He immediately sent me General Tsiga’s bank account, domiciled in Unity Bank. I posted this account on the TSIGA PLATFORM and requested donations from members to assist General Tsiga’s family in meeting the demands of the bandits.”
Abdullahi described the outpouring support as remarkable, saying, “The response, like I had earlier observed, was overwhelming. Donations came in pouring like ‘August Rains.'”
While real-time updates on the total amount raised were discontinued for security reasons, Abdullahi emphasised the impact of the collective financial strength.
“From 22 February 2025, when donations started coming in to 15 March 2025, the amount we received was indicative that yes, TOGETHER WE CAN.”
Abdullahi concluded his message by expressing deep gratitude. “I want to therefore, on behalf of General MI Tsiga, family, friends, colleagues and associates, thank you all for your brotherly and sisterly expression of concern and contributions both financial, moral, and even spiritual in our collective efforts to make sure General MI Tsiga regained his freedom.”
He also marked the successful conclusion of his public communication regarding the ordeal, stating, “Today, 4th April 2025 I have come to the end of my humble task… I feel fulfilled as our collective efforts have finally yielded a very positive outcome ie THE RELEASE of General MI Tsiga.”
While the exact amount of ransom paid was not disclosed, Abdullahi’s statement underscored the significant role played by the financial contributions from army generals, other military personnel, and numerous civilians in securing the release of Tsiga after weeks in captivity.
