According to a report by Daily Post on Saturday, June 20, 2026, Brig-Gen Maharazu Tsiga, rtd, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has stated that armed bandits terrorising several communities may be operating with the backing of influential individuals occupying positions of authority within government and other sectors.
Tsiga made the remark during a press conference held in Kaduna, which centred on the circumstances surrounding the death of late Major-General Rabe Abubakar, rtd, who reportedly died while in captivity of bandits in Katsina State.
The briefing addressed issues linked to insecurity and the experiences of individuals affected by abductions in the region.
The former NYSC Director-General also referenced his own experience earlier in the year when he was abducted in his hometown in Katsina State.
He noted that the incident exposed him directly to the operational realities of the kidnappers and the environment in which they operate, describing it as a distressing period marked by uncertainty.
He explained that during his time in captivity, he witnessed conditions and interactions that revealed how the group functioned on a daily basis.
According to him, the experience provided insight into the level of coordination among those involved in kidnapping activities and the systems that support them beyond the immediate forest camps.
Tsiga further indicated that the operations of the bandits appeared to extend beyond their physical hideouts, suggesting the existence of a wider structure that includes informants, suppliers of logistics, and individuals who allegedly facilitate their activities.
He stated that such a network contributes to the sustainability and reach of the criminal groups.
He also maintained that the activities of the bandits could not be fully isolated from broader societal connections, insisting that there may be backing from individuals with influence in authority.
He recounted that during his captivity, discussions among the abductors at different times hinted at connections that go beyond the immediate criminal circle.
He said: “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?
