Eight NYSC members who were abducted by unidentified individuals while traveling from Akwa Ibom State to Sokoto State have been freed, News About Nigeria reports.
The NYSC Director-General, YD Ahmed, addressed the media on Friday, cautioning Corps Members against nighttime travel.
He emphasised that the scheme’s top priority remains the well-being and safety of all members.
Ahmed recalled the incident involving four Corps Members travelling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom to Sokoto, who were kidnapped on August 17, 2024, along the Funtua Bisau Road in Zamfara State.
In response to the kidnapping, the NYSC collaborated with security agencies, including the Army, Police, and DSS, as well as local leaders in Zamfara State.
A meeting was also held with the governor of Zamfara State to discuss the abduction of the prospective Corps Members.
In his words, he said, “You will remember when these four members were travelling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom to Sokoto
“They were kidnapped on 17 August 2024 on Funtua Bisau Road in Zamfara State.
“While in Zambara, we collaborated with the Army, Police, DSS and traditional rulers.
“We also had a meeting with the governor of Zambara State regarding the kidnapping of the prospective corps members.
“Consequently, through the combined effort of the security agencies, especially the Nigerian army and the NYSC, the mission started yielding results with the rescue of the first set of prospective four members.”
In February, the NYSC announced the release of prospective corp member and a bus driver, who were kidnapped in Zamfara State on August 17, 2023.
The victims were among the eight fresh Akwa Ibom State graduates that were abducted on their way to the NYSC orientation camp in Sokoto State. They were travelling in an AKTC bus to Sokoto State for the mandatory national youth service programme for Nigerian graduates.
