NYSC Debunks Viral Kidnap-Ransom Pamphlet, Calls It Fake

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has firmly rejected a pamphlet trending across social media platforms that claims corps members are advised to pay ransom if kidnapped, insisting the document is fake and never issued by the scheme.

In a statement released on its official X handle on Thursday, the NYSC management said the circulating material does not reflect its policies and emphasized that the scheme has never directed corps members to negotiate with or pay money to abductors.

The management explained that although a consultant had submitted a similar document for review in 2021, the proposal was not approved and was never incorporated into any official NYSC handbook or advisory.

“The attention of the Management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been drawn to a purported NYSC pamphlet advising corps members to pay ransom in the event of kidnapping,” the statement said.

“While a similar document was presented to Management for consideration by a consultant in 2021, it was not adopted by the Scheme. Management, therefore, wishes to make it clear that the document being circulated is not an official NYSC publication and does not represent the Scheme’s policy… it should be ignored.”

Reassuring the public, the NYSC stressed that the safety and security of corps members remain paramount. It added that the scheme continues to partner with security agencies and community leaders nationwide to strengthen protection measures for personnel in all states.

The clarification comes at a time of heightened concerns over insecurity and persistent kidnapping risks faced by young graduates deployed for national service.