The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is currently enmeshed in a controversy, over what appears to be security tips given to corps members.
In a handbook circulating on social media titled, “Security Awareness and Education Handbook For Corps Members and Staff’”, NYSC identified Abuja-Kaduna, Abuja-Lokoja-Okene, and Aba-Port Harcourt as “high risk roads” in the country.
On page 56 of the document, corps members travelling on these roads were advised to inform their family members of their movement and make someone available to pay ransom in the event that they are kidnapped.
The handbook was said to have been distributed to corps members in Batch B Stream 1 cohort of the scheme.
The advice has triggered backlash, as some Nigerians argued that it gives an indication that the nation is heading towards a failed state.
However, in a statement issued on Friday, the scheme described the information as misleading, denying that such advice was given.
“The attention of Management of the National Youth Sevice Corps has been drawn to a fake release making the rounds on the social media to the effect that Corps Members travelling on “high risk roads” should alert their families, friends and colleagues in order to have somebody to pay off the ransom that could be demanded in the event of being kidnapped.” The statement reads.
“Management wishes to emphatically state that the clause quoted is not embedded in NYSC Security Tips pamphlet which was put together by a highly respected retired security expert.
“Management wishes to appeal to the general public to always clarify issues with the Scheme. Please, be wary of falling prey to the antics of mischief makers out to ridicule the Scheme.
“Management shall continue to prioritise the security and welfare of Corps Members and staff at all times.”
