NYSC dismisses viral claims of ‘ransom clause’, reassures corps members on safety

The National Youth Service Corps has dismissed as false a viral report claiming that the scheme operates a “ransom clause” and exposes corps members to banditry. The clarification comes amid growing concerns from families over the safety of corps members, especially in high-risk postings across the country.

The NYSC issued the rebuttal on Wednesday through the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, stressing that the scheme has no such provision in its Act, Bye-laws, or official publications.

“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,” the statement 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,” it added.

The controversy arose following the case of Musa Abba, which the NYSC clarified has been wrongly linked to the scheme.

“We deeply empathise with Mr Musa Usman Abba and his family over the unfortunate incident… 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 statement said.

Amid heightened concerns, the NYSC said it continues to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard corps members nationwide.

Corps members posted to high-risk areas are provided with adequate protection, including 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 to ensure the welfare of both corps members and camp officials.

“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,” the statement said.

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

The NYSC, established to promote national unity and service, routinely posts corps members to states across Nigeria, including areas with security challenges.

Recent reports linking the scheme to banditry have caused alarm among families, despite the scheme’s proactive security measures.

The NYSC has repeatedly emphasised that misinformation can deepen fear and weaken public trust in national 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.

NYSC was established in 1973 to promote national unity and encourage Nigerian graduates to contribute to community development.

Corps members are typically posted to states other than their state of origin, which sometimes include areas facing security challenges, particularly in the North West and North East.

Over the years, the scheme has implemented measures to safeguard members, including relocating orientation camps from high-risk areas, providing military escorts where necessary and maintaining life insurance and health coverage.

Despite these measures, viral reports and social media narratives have occasionally amplified fears, causing concern among families and the public.