The National Youth Service Corps has dismissed as false a viral report alleging that it operates a “ransom clause” and exposes corps members to banditry, amid growing concerns over the safety of young graduates deployed across the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NYSC, through its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, described the claims as misleading and alarmist, urging the public to disregard them entirely.
“The Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps have noted with serious concern the circulation of a misleading write-up titled ‘Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits,’” the statement read.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NYSC categorically states that there is no provision whatsoever for any ‘ransom clause.’ This claim is entirely fictitious,” it added.
The clarification comes at a time when anxiety among families has been heightened by reports linking corps members to security risks, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.
The NYSC, however, maintained that it has consistently prioritised the safety and welfare of its members.
Addressing a widely circulated case involving Musa Abba, the scheme clarified that the individual is not a serving corps member, having completed his service in 2023.
While expressing sympathy with the family, the NYSC cautioned against drawing incorrect links between isolated incidents and the scheme’s operations.
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To strengthen safety measures, the NYSC said it continues to collaborate closely with security agencies nationwide.
Corps members posted to high-risk areas are provided with additional protection, including military escorts—a practice that has been in place since 2024 in parts of the North West and earlier in the North East.
The scheme also highlighted its decision to relocate orientation camps from high-risk states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau to safer locations, ensuring a more secure environment for both corps members and officials.
Beyond physical security, the NYSC noted that all corps members are covered by a life insurance policy through its partnership with Capital Express Assurance Limited, which extends beyond the service year, alongside access to healthcare under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Established in 1973, the NYSC remains a cornerstone of national integration, deploying graduates to states outside their regions of origin to promote unity and community development.
However, postings to areas facing security challenges have continued to generate public concern.
The scheme warned that misinformation, particularly on social media, can deepen fear and erode trust in public institutions, urging both the media and the public to verify information before dissemination.
Despite ongoing challenges, the NYSC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding corps members, emphasising that their safety and well-being remain its highest priority.