NYSC Denies ‘Ransom Clause’ Claim, Says Corps Members’ Safety Remains Priority

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.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said the claim is entirely fictitious and has no basis in the NYSC Act, Bye-laws, or any official publication.

The rebuttal followed a viral write-up titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits,” which had sparked concerns among families about the safety of corps members posted to high-risk areas.

The NYSC also clarified that one case cited in the report involving Musa Abba has been misrepresented. According to the scheme, Abba completed his national service in 2023 and is not a serving corps member.

While expressing empathy for his family over the unfortunate incident, the NYSC stressed that the matter is unrelated to the scheme’s current operations.

Amid growing security concerns, the NYSC said it continues to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard corps members. Corps members posted to high-risk areas are provided with military escorts a measure consistently implemented since 2024 in the North West and earlier in parts of the North East.

The scheme has also relocated orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau to safer locations.

Additionally, all corps members are covered by a life insurance policy through a Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited, which extends three weeks beyond service completion, in addition to enrolment under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The NYSC described itself as a responsible institution that prioritises the welfare and safety of corps members and staff, and urged the media and the public to disregard misinformation aimed at undermining public trust.