The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has moved to calm rising public anxiety over the safety of corps members, firmly dismissing viral claims that the scheme operates a “ransom clause” or exposes participants to banditry.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, described the report as “misleading, alarmist, and entirely false,” stressing that no such provision exists in the NYSC’s legal or operational framework.
“The Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps 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,’” Embu said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NYSC categorically states that there is no provision whatsoever for any ‘ransom clause.’ This claim is entirely fictitious and should be disregarded in its entirety.”
The scheme also addressed concerns surrounding a widely circulated case involving one Musa Abba, clarifying that the individual is not a serving corps member.
“We deeply empathise with Mr Musa Usman Abba and his family over the unfortunate incident,” Embu stated.
“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.”
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of corps members, the NYSC emphasised that it has consistently worked with security agencies to mitigate risks, particularly in areas with security challenges.
“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,” she said.
According to the scheme, corps members posted to high-risk areas are provided with additional security arrangements, including military escorts—a measure that has been sustained in parts of the North West since 2024 and earlier in the North East.
“We continue to collaborate closely with security agencies to ensure that adequate protection is provided for corps members wherever they are deployed,” Embu noted.
She further disclosed that the scheme has taken proactive steps by relocating orientation camps from volatile areas to safer environments across several states.
“Orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe and Plateau have been moved to safer locations to safeguard both corps members and officials,” she added.
Beyond physical security, the NYSC highlighted institutional safeguards put in place to protect corps members, including insurance and healthcare coverage.
“All corps members are covered under a comprehensive life insurance policy through our Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited,” Embu explained.
“This coverage extends beyond service, in addition to their enrollment under the National Health Insurance Scheme.”
The scheme warned that the spread of false information could erode public confidence and heighten unnecessary fear among families.
“The Scheme has been targeted on several occasions by purveyors of fake news and misinformation,” she said.
“It is therefore imperative for the media and the general public to remain vigilant and verify information before dissemination.”
Established in 1973 to promote national unity and integration, the NYSC deploys graduates across states outside their regions of origin, a system that has occasionally raised concerns due to prevailing security challenges in parts of the country.
However, the management maintained that continuous reforms and security collaborations have significantly strengthened the safety framework for corps members.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the NYSC continues to serve its core mandate while safeguarding the lives and well-being of all participants,” Embu affirmed.
The scheme urged Nigerians to disregard the viral claims and rely only on verified information from official sources.
