NYSC denies exposing corps members to banditry, ransom clause

2026-03-25 - 09:24

By Luminous Jannamike The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed as false a viral report alleging that the scheme operates a ‘ransom clause’ and exposes corps members to banditry, as fears over security and postings intensify across the country. The rebuttal comes amid growing unease among families of corps members, with recent incidents and online narratives amplifying safety concerns. The NYSC says it is stepping in to set the record straight and reassure Nigerians that corps members are not left exposed. The position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Caroline Embu, Director of Information and Public Relations, on behalf of the NYSC management. “The Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have noted with serious concern the circulation of a misleading and alarmist write-up titled ‘Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits,’” the statement said. “For the avoidance of doubt, the National Youth Service Corps categorically states that there is no provision whatsoever for any ‘ransom clause’ in the NYSC Act, Bye-laws, or any official publication of the Scheme. This claim is entirely fictitious and should be disregarded in its entirety.” At the centre of the controversy is the case of Musa Usman Abba, which the NYSC says has been wrongly linked to the scheme. “Furthermore, the Scheme deeply empathises with Mr. Musa Usman Abba and his family over the unfortunate incident, and we share in their concern during this difficult time... While this situation is distressing, it is important to clarify that he is not a serving Corps Member, having completed his national service in 2023,” the NYSC clarified. Amid the heightened concerns, the Scheme said it continues to work closely with security agencies to protect corps members nationwide. “On the issue of security, recognised as a broader national challenge, the NYSC works in close collaboration with relevant security agencies to safeguard Corps Members before, during, and after orientation exercises. “Corps Members posted to areas assessed as high-risk are provided with adequate security arrangements, including military escorts. This proactive approach has been consistently implemented since 2024 in the North West and much earlier in some parts of the North East,” the statement added. The Scheme also pointed to adjustments made in response to evolving threats. “Additionally, in line with its duty of care, the Scheme has taken decisive steps to relocate orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau to safer locations, ensuring the protection of both Corps Members and camp officials,” it said. Reaffirming its duty of care, the NYSC highlighted welfare provisions for corps members. “The NYSC remains a responsible and responsive institution that places the highest premium on the welfare, safety, and well-being of Corps Members and staff.” “In demonstration of this commitment, the Scheme has maintained a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited since 2004, providing life insurance coverage for all Corps Members... Notably, this insurance coverage extends up to three weeks after the completion of service, in addition to their enrolment under the National Health Insurance Scheme,” it explained. The NYSC faulted the publication for failing to seek its response before going public. It warned that repeated misinformation could deepen fear and weaken trust in public institutions. “The Scheme has been targeted on several occasions by purveyors of fake news and misinformation, making it imperative for the media and the general public to remain vigilant,” the statement warned. Reaffirming its mandate, the NYSC said it remains committed to national unity and the safety of corps members.