The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has issued a stern caution to corps members nationwide, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel on dangerous roads and to prioritise their safety during their service year. The warning comes as part of intensified efforts by NYSC management to safeguard the lives and well-being of young graduates serving across Nigeria.
Why the Warning — What Prompted NYSC’s Advisory
In recent years, increasing incidents of insecurity on Nigerian highways — including kidnappings, road accidents, and attacks on travellers — have raised serious apprehension among stakeholders. Recognising these threats, NYSC management has stepped up safety protocols and emphasised strict travel guidelines for corps members.
Brigadier General Nafiu, during engagements with new corps members, emphasized that no journey should be embarked upon without proper authorisation. Night travels, in particular, have been singled out as highly unsafe and strongly discouraged.
The advisory underlines the honesty that the dangers are real — and that corps members must always be vigilant, security-conscious, and make safe choices about travel and movement.
Key Safety Advice from NYSC: What Corps Members Should Do
Here are the main safety recommendations issued by NYSC’s leadership:
- Avoid night travel — especially along dangerous or unverified routes.
- Do not travel without prior authorisation from NYSC authorities. Unauthorized journeys may expose corps members to heightened risks.
- When travel is unavoidable: use only registered motor parks or recognised transport terminals; avoid roadside “picking up” of vehicles.
- Remain security-conscious and report suspicious movements or individuals — both in camp and during travel.
In essence: travel only when necessary, travel smart, and never compromise on safety.
What This Means for Corps Members — Stay Safe, Stay Disciplined
For thousands of corps members currently posted across Nigeria, this warning serves as a timely reminder that their safety — not just service — is NYSC’s priority. With security threats evolving, ROUTINE destinations like home visits or orientation-camp transfers can pose real danger if undertaken irresponsibly.
NYSC’s renewed emphasis on travel discipline and authorisation protocols aims to prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure corps members complete their service year without falling victim to road hazards or criminal activities.
Broader Significance — Reflecting Nigeria’s Security Realities
NYSC’s caution is not an isolated message — it mirrors broader national concerns over road safety and security. Government agencies and state authorities have repeatedly underscored the need for improved infrastructure, better policing of highways, and increased awareness among travellers. Recent calls to corps members by state governors also echo similar advice: to be security conscious, avoid frivolous travel, and always uphold discipline.
The advisory from NYSC, therefore, is both a protective measure for young Nigerians and a signal of the harsh realities on the nation’s roads. It underscores the urgent need for collective responsibility — from individuals, communities, and security agencies alike — to safeguard lives.
