NYSC

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Comrade Etimbuk Daniel, at the orientation camp in Enugu State.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised on Thursday by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bassey expressed shock over Daniel’s death and identified him as a former Students’ Union Government president of Akwa Ibom State University who had proceeded for the mandatory national service.

The senator said reports indicated that Daniel died from complications linked to a minor headache after allegedly experiencing delays in receiving adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.

He said the incident had raised concerns about the quality of healthcare available at NYSC orientation camps, particularly the availability of qualified medical personnel, functional facilities and effective emergency referral systems.

Bassey added that the government had a constitutional responsibility to protect citizens’ welfare and ensure that graduates undertaking national service received appropriate medical care.

He said Daniel’s death had plunged his family, the university community and Akwa Ibom State into mourning.

Seconding the motion, Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, called for a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure accountability where necessary.

The Senate subsequently directed its committees on Police, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the incident in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The investigation is expected to determine whether negligence or other failures contributed to Daniel’s death.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, commended Bassey for bringing the matter before the chamber and urged the committees to conduct a thorough investigation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity.

The victims were kidnapped on October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed their release in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.

The prospective corps members were rescued at about 4:28 pm at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations by a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

The circumstances surrounding the rescue were not immediately disclosed. There was also no confirmation of any arrest in connection with the abduction, as the perpetrators were still at large as of the time of the report.

The police statement read, “Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members who were abducted in Imo State on 1st October, 2026.

‘’Following their safe recovery, the victims have been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.”

Iniedu said security agencies had intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction and bring them to justice.

“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates members of the public for their cooperation and support and reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and the prompt response to threats to public safety,” the statement added.

The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the victims.

“The kidnapped graduates have been released. The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, confirmed this in a telephone conversation at about 5.00 pm today (Wednesday),” he said.

The statement was issued in Ibadan by his media aide, Adeola Oloko.

A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief over the development but said the families were still waiting to see or speak with their loved ones.

“We cannot say anything for now. We are extremely overwhelmed. We received the news with happiness. I cannot say anything for now, please. We are truly happy. Let’s see them first or speak with them on the telephone.”

Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies for their intervention, saying the government deliberately maintained discretion during the operation to avoid compromising the rescue effort.

‘’Because the issue involved the security of lives, the government was cautious about releasing too much information to the public; hence the discreet manner in which it was handled.”

The governor said he was “particularly grateful to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they tackled the challenge.”

Uzodimma also thanked the parents and relatives of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the period of the abduction.

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also welcomed the release.

The party’s publicity secretary, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, said, ‘’We rejoice with the family and relatives of these young patriots for their successful rescue, and commend all the gallant security personnel who took part in this audacious and well-coordinated rescue operation for their professionalism, bravery and patriotism.”

The APC said efforts should continue to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.

The victims were among 30 graduates travelling in two buses from Ibadan to an NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen abducted 20 of them.

The abductors reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim before later reducing the ransom to N5 million per person, bringing the total demand to N100 million.

The victims’ families had earlier appealed to the Olubadan and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kidnappers holding prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have reportedly reduced their ransom demand from N50 million to N5 million per victim.

The revised demand brings the total ransom being sought for the 20 abducted graduates from N1 billion to N100 million, according to information from the victims’ families.

The development came as relatives of the victims raised concerns over their safety, alleging that the abductors had subjected some of the captives to physical assault.

One of the affected parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said the kidnappers had reduced the demand but that the families remained deeply concerned about the condition of their children.

“The kidnappers had reduced their demand from the earlier N50m per victim to N5m each,” she said.

“They are still demanding N5m. They have come down to N5m each.”

The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen attacked the two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State on Thursday.

The victims included graduates whose names were released by their parents during a visit to the residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Bodija, Ibadan.

Among those identified were Makinde Mary Oluwapelumi, Akande Kehinde Morufat, Abdul Temiloluwa Sarah, Adeniran Mariam Olulola, Adefioye Ayomide Isaac, Adewale Paul Iyanuoluwa and Oyede Esther Funmilayo.

The parents also disputed earlier claims that 10 passengers had been rescued by security operatives, saying those who escaped the attackers did so by running into the bush.

Akande said she could not confirm how much had been raised by the families towards the ransom because she was not involved in the arrangements between the abductors and the other parents.

“I cannot say because I do not know how much they have told those people that they have,” she said.

Describing the ordeal, she said, “It has been horrible, scary and overwhelming.”

She added that the situation became more distressing after the families learnt that the captives were allegedly being beaten.

“Sir, we appeal to the government at all levels to please assist us in getting them rescued out of that place. They have started beating them since yesterday,” she said.

Asked whether the female victims were also being assaulted, Akande said:

“They are not sparing anybody. They are beating all of them,” she said.

She further alleged that one of the victims had been allowed to speak with his father, with the kidnappers using the communication to assess the family’s ability to pay the ransom.

“The abductors would alert the victim whenever his father’s call came in and allow him to speak because they believed the father could provide the ransom. His father has been communicating with him. The kidnappers give him access to a telephone. Whenever his father calls, they show him that a call came in for you. He would just say, ‘Oh, that’s my father.’

“They know money will come out of father’s hands, so they would just pick it and allow him to talk. And they have been beating him. They have been beating all of them.”

The parent said families had been relying on assurances from the police while efforts continued to secure the victims’ release.

“The police are telling us to still be buying time. We are still looking for the money. Depending, they will see them rescued,” she said.

Calls For Government Action

The abduction has triggered calls from political parties and public figures for the immediate rescue of the prospective corps members, as well as renewed debate over the safety of the NYSC scheme.

The African Democratic Congress called for the suspension of the NYSC scheme for one year to allow the Federal Government to reorganise the programme and strengthen security measures.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the scheme remained important to national unity but argued that the current security situation required a temporary suspension and review.

“I think the NYSC is still relevant. But I think we need to respond to the current situation of insecurity in the country.

“If we were to advise the President, we think this is the time to suspend it for at least one year to give room for proper reorganisation, in such a way that it will protect the young people and also make the scheme worthwhile for them.

“Beyond that, it is a very important scheme for fostering national unity. The issues that the NYSC sought to address since it was created in 1973, at the end of the Civil War, are still there. So, we think it remains relevant.

“But we need to be responsible. We need to understand that it is also about the lives of other people, more than anything else. It is a different country today from what it was many years ago,” he said.

Abdullahi also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity and President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address, expressing his own party’s position on the government’s response.

Other political parties, including the National Democratic Congress, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and Young Progressives Party, also condemned the abduction and called for stronger action to secure the victims’ release.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, also called for the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted prospective corps members.

“The abduction of approximately 20 prospective NYSC members travelling to their orientation camp is yet another distressing indication of the worsening insecurity in our country. These young Nigerians were preparing to serve their nation, but they were unable to travel safely on our roads. Families are increasingly burdened by the fear that their loved ones could fall victim to kidnapping.

“Protecting lives and property is the government’s foremost responsibility. We cannot continue to regard insecurity as an ordinary occurrence or act only after people’s lives have been disrupted.

“I call for the immediate and safe rescue of all the abducted corps members and the arrest of those responsible. Nigeria must become a country where young people can travel, work, and serve their nation without fear,” he wrote.

The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, also expressed concern after learning that some of its graduates were among those reportedly abducted.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Razaq Kalilu, called for coordinated action by security agencies to secure the victims’ release.

“The University stands firmly with the affected families at this deeply distressing moment.

“This is a painful and deeply troubling development for the University and, most importantly, for the families of our graduates and the other young Nigerians whose lives have been so cruelly disrupted. Our immediate and overriding concern is their safety and safe return to their families,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Families of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have been thrown into panic after their captors reportedly demanded a total ransom of N950m for their release.

The graduates were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom when gunmen intercepted two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on Thursday.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the incident on Friday and said the abductors demanded N50m for each victim.

According to Akpan, the affected buses belonged to his company and were carrying corps members heading to their respective orientation camps.

He said the vehicles left Bodija/Samonda Park in Ibadan on Wednesday but encountered traffic delays around Benin, Edo State, before reaching Onitsha, Anambra State, later that day.

Akpan explained that the drivers could not proceed with the journey because of the condition of the road and spent the night in Oba. They resumed the journey at about 5am on Thursday.

He said the buses had only just entered Imo State when armed men emerged from the bush.

“They blocked the two vehicles and took 19 passengers, all corps members, into the bush,” he added.

The drivers reportedly escaped and alerted security personnel at a nearby checkpoint, after which police and military personnel began searching for the victims.

Akpan, however, said the operation faced an initial setback after some villagers allegedly prevented security personnel from moving the abandoned buses from the scene.

The buses were eventually left at the location, with the passengers’ belongings still inside.

The Imo State Police Command had announced on Thursday night that 10 victims had been rescued. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said security agencies were pursuing the kidnappers and conducting a coordinated search for the remaining victims.

Okoye was, however, unable to confirm whether the rescued persons were among the abducted corps members.

Families Receive Ransom Demands

The development has increased anxiety among the victims’ relatives, with some families reportedly receiving direct ransom demands from the abductors.

One parent, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the kidnappers contacted her through her son’s telephone.

“The kidnappers called with my son’s phone this morning (Friday) and demanded N50m for his release. The N50m is for only my son,” she said.

Another parent, Mrs Oladosu, said her daughter, Greatness, was among those travelling to Uyo. She said the abductors briefly contacted the family using her daughter’s phone.

Friends Seek Help Online

Friends of some of the missing graduates have launched social media campaigns to draw attention to the abduction and seek assistance for their release.

One of the victims was identified as Precious Oladipupo, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University.

Another individual, Adebayo (@Adebayoakim1), appealed on X for support for Wahab Ayandare, whom he identified as another victim of the attack.

A friend, Akinlabi Abayomi (@Mubiiiiin), also appealed for assistance for Oyindamola Adeoye. He said the kidnappers had demanded N50m for her release.

Oyo Government Reacts

The Oyo State Government condemned the abduction and described it as distressing and reprehensible.

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the state government was communicating with security agencies, the Imo State Government and NYSC authorities over the incident.

He said Governor Seyi Makinde had directed that all necessary resources be deployed towards securing the victims’ safe return.

“We are fully committed to securing the safe release of our children and will stop at nothing to ensure that they are reunited with their families without harm,” the statement read.

By Anwar Usman

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has planned to fully decentralise registration of prospective corps members (PCMs) starting in 2027, to enable eligible graduates to complete the process remotely from their homes.

Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, revealed this on Monday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Orientation Workshop.

The DG said the proposed arrangement would solve the challenges of prospective corps members queuing at cybercafés for registration and make the process easier and more seamless.

Foreign-trained graduates are also expected to benefit significantly, as some currently have to travel to Nigeria for registration, return abroad and make another trip for their national service.

“In the coming year, the management is considering completely decentralising the registration process to enable prospective corps members to register from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the challenges of queuing at cybercafés to register.

“It will equally make registration easier and seamless for our foreign-trained PCMs, some of whom have to travel into the country to do registration and sometimes travel back before returning to the country to serve their fatherland. We feel that it is a needless journey and a relief for parents,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government appreciate security personnel for the rescue of 15 kidnapped corps members and renewed its warning against night journeys.

Nafiu further stated that, the Batch ‘C’ Pre-Orientation Workshop would enable the NYSC management, partners and stakeholders to review previous orientation exercises, examine emerging challenges and develop strategies to improve the scheme.

He identified new technologies, socio-economic uncertainties, misinformation and insecurity among challenges requiring the NYSC to continually review its operations.

The Director General reiterated the need for sustained collaboration among federal and state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to assess risks, take preventive measures and ensure the safety of corps members throughout the service year.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

A Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate, Faisal Manir, has called on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to immediately review its registration policy that allegedly compels married female Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) to adopt their husbands’ surnames.

In a letter dated July 30, 2026, and addressed to the Director-General of the NYSC, Manir argued that the policy violates the constitutional rights of married women by overriding their choice to retain their maiden (father’s) names during online registration.

According to the letter, female PCMs who indicate that they are married are prompted to provide their husbands’ details. While the registration portal appears to offer them the option of retaining their maiden names, Manir alleged that the system ultimately requires them to accept their husbands’ surnames before completing the registration process.

He contended that the practice is inconsistent with Sections 37, 38(1), and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee the rights to privacy, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and protection from discrimination.

The lawyer further argued that the policy disproportionately affects Muslim women, noting that Islamic teachings emphasize preserving a person’s lineage through the father’s name. He cited Qur’an 33:5 and a Hadith to support his position that adopting a surname other than one’s father’s is contrary to Islamic principles.

Manir also referenced a Supreme Court decision, Lagos State Government & Ors v. Asiyat AbdulKareem (SC/910/16), stating that it affirmed citizens’ rights to practise their religion and uphold their beliefs in matters of personal identity.

He called on the NYSC to discontinue the practice immediately and to amend its registration system to allow married women to retain their maiden names without coercion or additional justification.

In addition, the lawyer demanded that the NYSC reissue, free of charge, certificates to women who were allegedly compelled to adopt their husbands’ surnames during the scheme.

The letter serves as a pre-action notice, warning that failure to address the demands could result in legal proceedings seeking a declaration that the practice is unconstitutional, an order directing the NYSC to issue corrected certificates, and compensation for affected women for the psychological distress and inconvenience allegedly caused.

As of the time of filing this report, the NYSC had not publicly responded to the allegations or the demands contained in the letter.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps’ traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at repositioning the scheme.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, revealed this during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, stating that the move is designed to promote local manufacturing and ensure government spending supports the Nigerian economy.

“It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” Olawande said.

The minister also outlined several other key reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, marking the first major overhaul of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973.

Under the new framework, corps members will increasingly be posted according to their fields of study, with graduates holding education qualifications deployed to schools rather than being assigned without consideration for their professional backgrounds.

“After you are leaving the camp, you are not just posted to a school just because NYSC wants you to be in school but because of the process you followed when in camp,” Olawande explained.

Addressing security concerns, the minister revealed that the government is considering posting prospective corps members to regions where they studied and are already familiar with the environment, particularly in areas facing security challenges.

The arrangement would alleviate concerns among parents and prospective corps members while making the deployment process more practical, according to the minister.

“If you have interest that you want to go to the North-East why not, but if you don’t have interest, instead of redeploying you, paying people for camp, doing all those funny things, we said no, let us look at it and say who are those in that area, that can reside in those geographical areas and still give us the kind of number we are looking for since we are saying NYSC should be more impactful,” he stated.

The minister dismissed reports suggesting the military would be completely removed from the NYSC, describing such claims as a misconception.

Under the approved reforms, the Federal Executive Council has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations to accommodate the changes.

The new framework provides that the scheme’s operational leadership will be headed by a civilian, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members nationwide.

By Ibrahim Aliyu Gurin 

The Federal Government’s decision to reform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been greeted with excitement by some and scepticism by others. After 53 years, many believe the scheme is finally getting the attention it deserves.

For years, corps members have complained about insecurity, poor welfare, irrelevant postings and outdated processes. The newly approved reforms, ranging from technology-driven mobilisation to skills-based deployment and improved orientation camps, suggest that the government is finally listening. That is a good start.

However, the NYSC was never established solely to teach graduates entrepreneurship or job skills. It was established to promote national unity after the civil war, and to a large extent, many would agree that it has contributed to that goal.

Perhaps that is why the government now believes the scheme can be led by civilians rather than the military officers who have overseen it since its inception. But that decision raises an important question.

One of the things that has distinguished the NYSC over the years is discipline. The orderliness in orientation camps and the sense of responsibility expected of corps members have largely been shaped by the scheme’s military leadership. While the military will still provide security, it remains to be seen whether civilian leadership can maintain the same standard.

The bigger challenge, however, is implementation. Nigerians have seen many good policies announced with great excitement, only for little to change in reality. If corps members still face unsafe postings and placements that add little value to their future, then these reforms will remain good ideas on paper. Otherwise, after years in school and a year of national service, they may simply be told to start an akara or kuli-kuli business. Honest work deserves respect, but graduates hope these reforms will create greater opportunities.

So, is the NYSC reforming or deforming?

The answer is not in the policy document. It will be written in the experience of the next corps member who leaves home believing that service to the nation is still worth it.

After all, changing the driver doesn’t automatically make the journey better. What matters is whether the person behind the wheel knows the road.

Ibrahim Aliyu Gurin is a graduate in mass communication from Bayero University, Kano, and can be reached at ibrahimaliyu5023@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery and submission of a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

The arrest was executed on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon the former minister’s arrival into the country. Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) assisted in apprehending Mr. Nnaji before handing him over to the anti-graft agency.

The ICPC had previously invited the former minister for questioning through a formal letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026. The invitation was delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email, but Mr. Nnaji failed to appear on the scheduled dates.

Following his refusal to honour the invitations, the Commission secured a bench warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026) on 11 June 2026, authorising his arrest.

The allegations against the former minister include:

1· Forgery of academic credentials, specifically a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

2· Submission of a false NYSC Discharge Certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023Mr.

Nnaji is currently in custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja as investigations continue.

The Commission has assured the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.

By Anwar Usman

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a sweeping reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first major restructuring of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago.

The reforms, approved during the FEC meeting in Abuja on Monday, are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution in line with the Federal Government’s economic development agenda.

A key feature of the overhaul is the restructuring of the scheme’s leadership, with a civilian set to head the NYSC for the first time, while the military will retain its role in providing security for corps members across the country.

The council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to provide legal backing for the approved changes and enable their implementation.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, while announcing the approval on X, described the reforms as the first holistic review of the scheme in its 53-year history.

He said, “We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.”

The Minister further revealed that the approved reforms would reposition the scheme as “a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.”

According to the minoster, the reforms include “a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members, a redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams, skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways, modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support

Other things includes; “improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system, and a new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, alongside a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.”

The new reforms represent the first comprehensive review of the scheme since its creation, with the Federal Government saying the changes are designed to make the institution more relevant to Nigeria’s contemporary economic and youth development needs.