The National Youth Service Corps has announced plans to review its safety protocols following the abduction of 16 Corps Members in Kogi State, saying valuable lessons have been learnt from the incident.
The Corps Members were abducted on August 26 while travelling from the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bayelsa State to Abuja for relocation after completing their Orientation Course.
The NYSC said all 16 Corps Members had been safely rescued and were in high spirits as they looked forward to resuming at their respective places of primary assignment.
NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, attributed the successful rescue to the combined efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Kogi State vigilante groups and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
“The professionalism, courage, commitment, and coordination demonstrated in rescuing the Corps Members are deeply appreciated,” Embu said.
She also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s concern for the abducted Corps Members helped galvanise the security response.
“The security agencies were indeed animated by His Excellency’s concern and commitment to urgently and successfully rescuing the Corps Members,” she said.
The NYSC also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Youth Development to the recovery efforts.
The Scheme commended President Tinubu for his continued commitment to the safety and welfare of Corps Members across the country.
It also expressed appreciation to the families of the affected Corps Members for their patience and cooperation throughout the period of their captivity.
The NYSC further praised the media for its handling of the incident, saying journalists maintained a professional approach to the coverage without compromising the safety of the Corps Members while they remained in captivity.
With all 16 Corps Members now safely recovered, the Scheme said it would continue to support them as they recover from the traumatic experience.
“Their resolute spirit is humbling and instructive, and NYSC remains committed to supporting them as they recover from this traumatic experience,” Embu said.
Beyond the successful rescue operation, the NYSC said the incident had provided important lessons that would inform efforts to strengthen its security measures and prevent similar occurrences.
“Lessons have been learned, and protocols will be reviewed to forestall future occurrences,” the Scheme stated.
The NYSC reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Corps Members, assuring that it would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen measures aimed at protecting participants in the national service programme.
