The National Youth Service Corps has dismissed as false a viral report alleging that the scheme operates a “ransom clause” and exposes corps members to banditry, amid growing concerns over security and postings across the country.
The rebuttal comes as the NYSC moves to reassure Nigerians that corps members are not left exposed to danger.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Director of Information and Public Relations Caroline Embu, the NYSC described the viral write-up titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits” as misleading and alarmist.
“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,” the statement said.
The scheme addressed the case of Musa Usman Abba, which it said had been wrongly linked to the NYSC.
“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.
The scheme stated that it continues to work closely with security agencies to protect corps members nationwide.
“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 NYSC also noted that orientation camps in Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau have been relocated to safer locations.
The scheme highlighted its welfare provisions, including a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited since 2004, providing life insurance coverage for all corps members.
“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 and 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.
