A retired Brigadier General, Maharazu Tsiga, recently recounted his harrowing experience as a victim of kidnapping. He described his 56-day ordeal in the terrorists’ enclave as nothing short of a descent into hell. The relief and gratitude for surviving such a traumatic event were palpable as he shared his story of resilience and faith.
### Facing Danger in Captivity
Tsiga was abducted from his hometown in Katsina State alongside nine other residents, an experience that turned into a nightmare beyond imagination. During his captivity, Tsiga and the other victims were constantly under threat not only from their abductors but also from the harsh environment surrounding them. He vividly recalled a terrifying encounter with wild animals while being held captive on a mountain.
“The day before yesterday, on the mountain I was staying, unexpectedly, we just look around, we saw hyena parading around us to get its own food. And which kind of food? We, the human beings.”
The sheer terror of being surrounded by predators added another layer of fear to an already dire situation. Tsiga painted a chilling picture of having to coexist with snakes and scorpions in their confined space—a constant reminder of the perilous conditions they endured each day.
### Miraculous Interventions
As if facing threats from nature wasn’t enough, Tsiga revealed how divine intervention played a crucial role in their survival. He narrated a heart-stopping moment when a rocket meant to harm them failed to explode miraculously. The terrorists had placed the unexploded rocket near where he slept—a deadly trap that could have ended his life at any moment.
“When a rocket was sent to us, it did not explode… kept it where I am sleeping so that immediately I come and touch it; it will explode.”
Despite the constant dangers lurking around every corner, Tsiga’s unwavering faith in God’s protection sustained him through those dark days in captivity.
### Psychological Warfare Through Food
Aside from physical threats, psychological warfare took its toll on Tsiga’s well-being during his captivity. The type of food provided by the kidnappers posed yet another risk to his health—an insidious tactic aimed at weakening their captives both physically and mentally.
According to Tsiga’s account, there was an unsettling revelation regarding government officials in uniform being targeted by these terrorists due to alleged monetary incentives provided by the government for their upkeep—an indication of how deeply rooted corruption can exacerbate security challenges.
### A Call for Unity Against Insecurity
Emerging from this harrowing ordeal strengthened Tsiga’s resolve to advocate for collective action against insecurity plaguing Nigeria. He emphasized that combating security threats should not be left solely to the government but must be embraced as a shared responsibility among all citizens.
“We should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone… We must do it ourselves.”
His plea for solidarity underscores the imperative need for Nigerians to stand together in confronting these pervasive challenges head-on rather than relying solely on external interventions.
### Gratitude Amidst Adversity
Through all the turmoil he endured during those 56 agonizing days in captivity, one prevailing sentiment shone through—gratitude. Despite staring death in the face multiple times and navigating treacherous circumstances beyond his control,
Tsiga expressed profound appreciation for being given another chance at life.
In conclusion, Maharazu Tsiga’s narrative serves as both a cautionary tale about Nigeria’s security landscape and an inspiring testament
to resilience amidst adversity—a stark reminder that unity,
faith,
and unwavering determination are essential weapons
against even
the darkest forces threatening society.
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