The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for a radical review of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme following the recurring abduction and attacks involving corps members.
National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, said the latest abduction of prospective corps members in Imo State should compel the Federal Government to fundamentally reconsider the operation of the scheme.
Onwubiko said particular attention must be paid to the deployment and movement of young Nigerians through areas facing serious security threats.
HURIWA noted that security incidents involving corps members have persisted since 2015 and become increasingly disturbing since 2023.
The group said the reported abduction of 19 prospective corps members and other travellers into a forest in Imo State showed that the safety arrangements surrounding the scheme required urgent reassessment.
The situation, HURIWA added, was made more alarming by reports that security operatives had located the kidnappers’ hideout but discovered that the area was surrounded by improvised explosive devices.
The rights group demanded the immediate and safe rescue of all the abducted persons.
However, it said the incident must not end with the release of the victims and another promise to improve security.
HURIWA said the Federal Government must confront the bigger question of whether the NYSC scheme, in its present form, remains safe enough for the compulsory deployment of young Nigerians across the country.
It called for a comprehensive security and operational audit of the scheme, covering deployment locations, transportation routes, orientation camps, communication systems and emergency response mechanisms.
HURIWA also urged the government to consider suspending the scheme for one year, if necessary, to allow for a thorough review and the development of stronger safety measures.
The association stressed that a temporary suspension should not automatically mean the abolition of NYSC.
Rather, it said the period could be used to determine whether the scheme should be substantially restructured or retained under a stronger security framework.
HURIWA maintained that young Nigerians should not be compelled to undertake national service while being exposed to known kidnapping corridors and other serious security threats.
It said national service should promote unity and development, rather than expose young Nigerians to avoidable risks to their lives and freedom.
The group also demanded a comprehensive investigation into previous attacks involving corps members since 2015, including repeated security failures and warnings that may have been ignored.
It said the findings should form part of any decision on the future structure of the NYSC.
Pending the outcome of the review, HURIWA called for stronger intelligence-led security around corps members, safer transportation arrangements, better route assessment and faster emergency response.
The association warned that continuing with the existing system without addressing its security vulnerabilities would only perpetuate a cycle that has placed too many young Nigerians at risk.
HURIWA therefore urged the Federal Government to treat the Imo abduction as a turning point and begin an urgent national conversation on the future of the NYSC.
The group said a radical review of the scheme can no longer be postponed, insisting that the protection of corps members must take precedence over preserving its existing structure.
