NYSC abduction: Youth advocate demands safety measures for prospective corps members

The Founder of Corpers’ Journey Advocacy Network (CJAN) and Director of Youth Advocacy and Policy at the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amb. Ajayi Taiwo Adeola, has called for stronger safety measures for prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to orientation camps across the country.

Adeola made the call following the abduction of prospective corps members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Imo state, describing the incident as a reminder of the security risks faced by young Nigerians travelling across states for national service.

The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo state, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen reportedly attacked two buses around Umunoha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, on October 1, 2026.

The Imo state Police Command confirmed the attack and said 10 victims were rescued following the intervention of security agencies, while efforts continued to locate those still in captivity.

The incident has generated concern among families, students, prospective corps members and youth organisations, particularly over the circumstances surrounding the attack.

‘Young Nigerians should not travel in fear’

Reacting to the incident, Amb. Ajayi Taiwo Adeola said the immediate priority should be the safe recovery of all prospective corps members still in captivity.

He also called for a comprehensive review of security arrangements for graduates travelling to NYSC orientation camps, particularly on routes identified as vulnerable to attacks.

“These young Nigerians left their homes with the expectation of beginning a new chapter through national service. Their journey should not become a source of fear for their families,” Adeola said.

According to him, the incident should move beyond expressions of concern and trigger concrete policy discussions around the safety of young Nigerians participating in national service.

“This is not a moment for speculation or the premature attribution of blame. It is a moment for facts, accountability and action,” he said.

Adeola urged security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and establish how the assailants were able to intercept the buses.

NANS raises questions over transport arrangements

Adeola’s call came as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the movement of the two buses.

In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, NANS said it received information suggesting that the buses were travelling together when they reached the location of the attack.

The association alleged that one of the drivers stopped, claiming that he wanted to give money to someone across the road, after which the second bus stopped alongside it.

NANS further alleged that armed men subsequently emerged from the bush and abducted passengers.

The students’ body also raised questions over information that neither of the two drivers was reportedly abducted.

However, NANS stressed that it was not in a position to establish what happened or attribute responsibility to any individual or transport company.

It called for an urgent and transparent investigation into the operations of UDUA KING Transport Service in connection with the incident and advised students and other travellers to exercise caution pending clarification of the circumstances.

‘Investigate the allegations’

Adeola said the concerns raised by NANS should be subjected to proper investigation rather than speculation.

He said any investigation should establish the facts surrounding the movement of the buses, the circumstances of the attack and whether any individual or organisation breached its responsibility for the safety of the passengers.

“Where credible concerns have been raised about the movement of the buses, the transport arrangements or the events leading to the attack, those concerns should be independently established through proper investigation,” he said.

He added that anyone found to have compromised the safety of the victims should be held accountable in accordance with the law.

Calls for better protection of prospective corps members

The youth advocate identified stronger coordination between NYSC authorities, security agencies, state governments and transport operators as necessary to improve the safety of prospective corps members.

He also called for improved travel advisories, stronger emergency communication systems and better coordination for graduates travelling long distances to orientation camps.

According to him, prospective corps members should receive adequate information on security conditions along their routes before embarking on journeys.

“National service should be an opportunity for young Nigerians to contribute to nation-building, not an experience that places their lives at unnecessary risk,” he said.

The latest incident has renewed concerns about the safety of prospective corps members travelling across the country.

It also highlights the wider security challenges faced by young Nigerians who travel long distances for education, employment, national service and other opportunities.

Beyond the Imo abduction

For Adeola, the latest incident should prompt a wider policy conversation about the safety framework surrounding the NYSC scheme.

He said the responsibility for protecting young Nigerians travelling to orientation camps should not begin only after an attack occurs.

“There is a need for stronger coordination between the NYSC, security agencies, state governments and transport operators, particularly on routes identified as vulnerable to criminal attacks,” he said.

He urged authorities to consider practical measures that could strengthen the safety of prospective corps members from the point they leave their homes until they arrive at their orientation camps.

“The families deserve answers. The victims deserve to come home. And young Nigerians deserve a national service system that takes their safety seriously,” Adeola said.

The security agencies have continued their search-and-rescue efforts, while families of the affected prospective corps members await further updates on the whereabouts and safe return of their loved ones.