Anxiety has risen among prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as the 2026 Batch A (Stream 1) orientation exercise begins across the country, with a focus on states facing significant security challenges, including bandit attacks and kidnappings.
The three‑week orientation exercise, which commenced on January 21, 2026 in all 37 NYSC orientation camps nationwide, has prompted concern for personal safety among thousands of corps members and their families, particularly those deployed to states with high incidences of violence and armed attacks.
States identified as high‑risk include Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Yobe and Borno, where incidents of terrorism, killings and abductions have been reported in recent weeks. About 8,000 corps members are expected to participate in the orientation programme in these states, according to media reports.
Corps members already in camps have expressed fear over long journeys to reach their posting states and the potential for violence along transit routes.
A corps member in Zamfara, speaking on condition of anonymity, said his journey from Plateau State which took nearly 28 hours was marked by concern for possible bandit attacks, despite the presence of security personnel.
Another graduate described a cautious trip from Jos to Zamfara and said the fear of insecurity persisted even after arrival at the orientation camp, although he noted a strong security presence around the facility.
Some members posted to Borno and Kaduna states reported similar apprehension about their postings due to recent reports of kidnappings and violent incidents in those regions.
State and NYSC officials have assured that security measures have been strengthened around orientation camps to protect corps members throughout the exercise.
In Zamfara, authorities relocated the camp from Tsafe to Gusau, the state capital, to enhance safety, while Kaduna’s temporary camp at Government College, Kurmi Marshi, has seen a heavy presence of multiple security agencies.
In Kwara State, the NYSC orientation camp was moved from Yikpata to Ilorin due to repeated security reports of bandit attacks in the northern part of the state, with officials saying that deployment of security agencies will safeguard participants throughout the orientation period.
Parents and advocacy groups have urged intensified protection for corps members, particularly in volatile regions. The National President of the Parents‑Teachers Association of Nigeria, Haruna Danjuma, called on all levels of government to provide maximum security for those serving in high‑risk states. He emphasised collaboration between security forces and community leaders to ensure the safety of the corps members.
The NYSC’s Director of Information and Public Relations could not be reached for comment as of press time. Officials had not responded to calls or messages seeking clarification on safety protocols and deployment figures.
The commencement of orientation in high‑risk areas highlights broader concerns about the intersection of national programmes and insecurity. Corps members and families continue to monitor developments, balancing their commitment to national service against ongoing safety challenges in several parts of the country.
