No Ransom Clause in NYSC Act, Scheme Refutes Viral Report, Reassures Nigerians

The Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on Tuesday, expressed serious concern over what it described as the circulation of a misleading and alarmist report against the Scheme titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits.

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In a statement issued by its management, the NYSC stated that at a time when national security demands responsible communication, it is troubling that such a publication—filled with falsehoods, distortions, and unverified claims—was released without proper verification.
The Scheme noted that the narrative misrepresents its operations and attempts to incite fear while undermining public confidence in one of Nigeria’s key nation-building institutions.
For clarity, the NYSC categorically stated that there is no provision for any “ransom clause” in its Act, Bye-laws, or any official publication, describing the claim as entirely fictitious and urging the public to disregard it.
The Scheme also expressed sympathy with Mr. Musa Usman Abba and his family over the unfortunate incident, sharing in their concern and wishing for his safety. However, it clarified that he is not a serving Corps Member, having completed his national service in 2023, and that linking his situation to the NYSC is inaccurate and misleading.
Reaffirming its commitment to welfare and safety, the NYSC highlighted its long-standing Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited since 2004, which provides life insurance coverage for Corps Members. This coverage applies to prospective Corps Members with call-up letters and those in orientation camps, extending up to three weeks after service, alongside enrolment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The Scheme added that in the past five years, it has spent over ₦500 million on urgent medical interventions for Corps Members nationwide.
On security, the NYSC stated that it collaborates closely with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Corps Members before, during, and after orientation exercises. It noted that Corps Members posted to high-risk areas are provided with adequate security arrangements, including military escorts, a strategy consistently implemented since 2024 in the North West and earlier in parts of the North East.
Additionally, the Scheme disclosed that it has relocated orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau to safer locations to enhance the protection of Corps Members and officials.
Citing the principle of natural justice, audi alteram partem (“hear the other side”), the NYSC criticized the author of the report for failing to seek clarification before publishing the claims.
The Scheme further warned that it has been repeatedly targeted by fake news and misinformation, urging the media and the public to verify information before sharing. It emphasized that spreading unverified content undermines institutions and erodes public trust.
The NYSC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering national unity, youth development, and nation-building, while continuing to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Corps Members across the country.