NYSC Dismisses ‘Death Trap’ Report, Denies Ransom Clause
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC has faulted a viral publication alleging that the Scheme exposes graduates to danger, describing the report as misleading, alarmist and replete with falsehoods.
In a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu on Tuesday, the NYSC Management said it was concerned over the circulation of a write-up titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits,” accusing the author of distorting facts and inciting fear among the public.
The Scheme maintained that the narrative misrepresents its operations and undermines confidence in what it described as a critical nation-building institution.
It specifically debunked claims suggesting the existence of a “ransom clause” in its legal framework.
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“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 read.
The NYSC also expressed sympathy with one Musa Usman Abba and his family over a reported security incident, clarifying that the individual was not a serving corps member.
“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. Any attempt to link his situation to the NYSC is therefore inaccurate and a misrepresentation of facts,” it stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of corps members, the Scheme said it has maintained a Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited since 2004 to provide life insurance cover for all corps members.
According to the statement, the insurance applies to prospective corps members with call-up letters and those already in orientation camps, extending up to three weeks after service.
It added that corps members are also enrolled under the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS noting that over ₦500m had been spent on urgent medical interventions in the last five years.
On security, the NYSC said it works closely with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of 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,” it added.
The Scheme further disclosed that orientation camps in states including Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe and Plateau had been relocated to safer locations as part of measures to safeguard participants and officials.
While faulting the author of the report for failing to verify claims, the NYSC urged media practitioners and the public to uphold responsible communication.
“The Management of NYSC, therefore, urges media practitioners, stakeholders, and the general public to always verify information from credible sources before publication. The spread of fake news not only misinforms the public but also undermines national institutions and erodes trust,” the statement added.
