By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) has called for an urgent reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployment system due to escalating insecurity. NAS Cap’n Dr. Joseph Oteri stated that the worsening safety landscape has turned the once-unifying national program into a dangerous undertaking for fresh graduates.

Dr. Oteri emphasized that while the NYSC was founded in 1973 to foster national unity, current realities demand a decisive rethink. He warned that national cohesion should never come at the cost of lives, noting that highways have become increasingly perilous for corps members traveling long distances.

The association identified several high-risk states as dangerous flashpoints, specifically naming Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, and Niger. They pointed to a troubling pattern of recurring abductions and violent attacks against prospective and serving corps members in these specific regions.

While dismissing viral claims regarding official ransom payments, NAS noted that such narratives highlight a deep loss of public confidence in the scheme. They insisted that the government can no longer delay reforms that prioritize the physical protection of participants over traditional posting protocols.

At the heart of their demands is an immediate ban on postings to these identified high-risk zones. NAS urged authorities to adopt a “security-first” approach by integrating real-time risk assessments into all deployment decisions to ensure graduates are sent to safer regions.

Furthermore, the association called for improved travel logistics, expanded insurance coverage, and the establishment of rapid emergency response systems. Dr. Oteri stressed that the safety of corps members must be treated as a national priority to prevent unnecessary exposure to harm.

The association maintained that while the NYSC remains a vital institution, it must adapt to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. They warned that failing to implement these urgent reforms puts the very young citizens the program was created to serve at grave risk.