Human rights lawyer Barrister Festus Ogun is threatening legal action against the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over its policy of posting corps members to states considered insecure due to rising kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria. The planned suit argues that the NYSC's deployment policy exposes corps members to avoidable danger and may violate their fundamental right to life and safety.
Rising insecurity sparks concern
Ogun's threat comes amid repeated incidents of kidnappings, highway attacks, and rural violence, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions. He contends that while the NYSC scheme was established in 1973 to promote national unity, current security realities necessitate urgent reforms to protect corps members. He also highlighted risks during travel to primary assignment locations, where corps members may face kidnapping, robbery, or other attacks on highways and rural roads.
Civil society echoes concerns
Civil society groups have similarly voiced concerns, especially after reports of corps members being victims of insecurity-related incidents while serving in remote communities. The planned legal action seeks stricter safety measures, including improved security assessments before postings, stronger protection during transit, and possible restrictions on deployment to high-risk areas.
The issue has sparked nationwide debate, with many Nigerians viewing the NYSC as a key institution for national integration. As of now, no formal court case has been filed, but the threat has intensified conversations about the safety and future of the scheme. The NYSC has not yet issued an official response.
