The National Youth Service Corps has denied ownership of a pamphlet circulating rapidly on social media, which contains detailed instructions on how corps members should behave if kidnapped. The document sparked widespread reactions online after users claimed it was part of official safety guidelines given to Nigerian youths heading to their service states.
In a statement titled Circulation of Fake Safety NYSC Pamphlet Advocating Ransom Payment, the Scheme said the publication is fake and does not reflect its policies. The NYSC explained that although a consultant presented a similar material to its Management in 2021, it was never adopted. The statement reads, “The attention of the Management of the National Youth Service Corps has been drawn to a purported NYSC pamphlet advising corps members to pay ransom in the event of kidnapping. While a similar document was presented to Management for consideration by a consultant in 2021, it was not adopted by the Scheme.”
The agency added that the viral material should be dismissed, saying, “Management, therefore, wishes to make it clear that the document being circulated is not an official NYSC publication and does not represent the Scheme’s policy regarding staff and corps members’ security; as such, it should be ignored.”
Despite the denial, the pamphlet referenced in the announcement contains instructions that appear to guide abducted corps members. Page 57 of the handbook states, “Do not resist armed kidnappers. Keep calm and be patient. Do not antagonise your captors, be polite and operate with reasonable regards. Give reasonable cooperation to your abductors.” It further advises corps members to build a personal relationship with kidnappers and avoid mentioning their place of work when asked for contact persons.
The document continues, “Advise your friends involved in the negotiations, they should be friendly with the captors. Take no risk by attempting to escape. DO NOT BE A HERO. Keep fit with mental exercise. Make no statement to the media after your release without official clearance but share your experience with close associates.”
The pamphlet’s content has fueled debate online, contributing to why it trended quickly across multiple social media platforms. NYSC restated its commitment to the safety and welfare of all corps members and vowed to continue collaborating with security agencies and stakeholders.
