NYSC Debunks ‘Ransom Clause’ Rumour, Details Security Measures for Corps Members

NYSC Debunks ‘Ransom Clause’ Rumour, Details Security Measures for Corps Members

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, insisting that no such provision exists in its legal or operational framework.

The clarification comes amid rising concerns from families over the safety of corps members, especially those deployed to areas considered high-risk. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NYSC, through its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, described the claim as misleading and alarmist.

According to the scheme, the widely circulated write-up titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits” is entirely unfounded. It stressed that there is no mention of any “ransom clause” in the NYSC Act, bye-laws, or official publications, urging the public to disregard the report.

The NYSC also addressed the case of Musa Usman Abba, which contributed to the controversy. The scheme clarified that Abba is not a serving corps member, noting that he completed his national service in 2023. While expressing sympathy with him and his family over the reported incident, the NYSC emphasized the importance of accurate information to avoid unnecessary panic.

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Reaffirming its commitment to corps members’ safety, the NYSC stated that it continues to work closely with security agencies across the country. It noted that corps members posted to vulnerable areas are provided with enhanced protection, including military escorts. This arrangement, according to the scheme, has been consistently implemented in the North West since 2024 and earlier in parts of the North East.

The scheme further highlighted that it has relocated orientation camps from volatile locations to safer areas in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau, as part of proactive measures to safeguard both corps members and camp officials.

On welfare, the NYSC explained that all corps members are covered by a life insurance policy through Capital Express Assurance Limited, which extends up to three weeks after service completion. In addition, corps members are enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure access to healthcare throughout their service year.

The NYSC reiterated that it places the highest priority on the welfare, safety, and well-being of corps members and staff. It warned that the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media, could heighten anxiety and undermine public confidence in national institutions.

Established in 1973, the NYSC programme was designed to promote national unity and integration by deploying Nigerian graduates to serve in states outside their regions of origin. Despite ongoing security challenges in some parts of the country, the scheme said it has continued to strengthen its safety protocols through strategic deployments, camp relocations, and collaboration with security agencies.

The agency maintained that while concerns about security are valid, false narratives about NYSC and banditry only worsen public fear and misrepresent the efforts being made to protect corps members nationwide.

NYSC Debunks ‘Ransom Clause’ Rumour, Details Security Measures for Corps Members