By Frontline Reporters
Thousands of prospective corps members and their families are gripped by anxiety as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) begins the 2026 Batch A (Stream 1) orientation exercise across Nigeria, particularly in states battling persistent banditry, kidnappings, and terror attacks.
From Zamfara and Kaduna to Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and Katsina, corps members embarking on the mandatory 21-day orientation programme are undertaking long and often frightening journeys, even as authorities insist that adequate security measures have been put in place around orientation camps.
The fears come against the backdrop of renewed violence in parts of northern Nigeria, marked by terrorist attacks, mass abductions, killings, and bomb scares in recent weeks.
In a statement issued on January 6, 2026, the NYSC announced that the orientation exercise would commence nationwide on Wednesday, January 21, across its 37 camps.
Earlier, in September 2025, the scheme disclosed plans to mobilise about 650,000 graduates across all streams in 2026, a significant increase from the 400,000 deployed in 2025. However, only about 40 per cent of registered prospective corps members are participating in the current stream, with the remainder scheduled for subsequent batches.
Recent security assessments have identified Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Yobe, and Borno states as flashpoints of banditry and terrorist activity.
Although official deployment figures have not been released, Frontline Reporters gathered that about 8,000 corps members are taking part in the orientation exercise across these high-risk states.
Yobe State on Friday swore in about 1,200 corps members, while Kaduna is expected to host roughly 2,000 participants. Katsina is projected to receive about 2,050 corps members.
The Zamfara State NYSC Coordinator, Muhammad Ahmed, said about 600 corps members were deployed to the state, while Sokoto and Kebbi are hosting approximately 1,900 and 1,700 corps members respectively.
Fear-filled journeys
In separate interviews with Frontline Reporters, corps members currently in camp recounted harrowing travel experiences and lingering fears over their postings, even as state governments maintain that security around camps has been reinforced.
A corps member in Zamfara State, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with NYSC regulations, said his initial reaction upon receiving his posting letter was fear of a possible bandit attack.
“My main fear is insecurity — bandits and kidnappers,” he said, adding that his parents were initially distressed but later consented after prayers.
The Microbiology graduate of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, said he spent nearly 28 hours travelling from Plateau State to Zamfara.
“We arrived late and had to sleep in a nearby village in Funtua before proceeding to camp the next day. Even with security personnel around, we were still scared because attacks can happen unexpectedly,” he said.
Another corps member posted to Zamfara said he broke his journey from Jos into two legs, stopping overnight in Zaria before continuing to the camp.
“From the moment I saw Zamfara on my call-up letter, fear set in. All through the journey, I kept thinking our bus could be attacked. We arrived safely, but the fear hasn’t completely gone,” he said.
He, however, noted a strong security presence around the camp, with multiple checkpoints manned by security operatives.
A corps member serving in Borno State also admitted to being apprehensive during his journey from Abuja but said the camp was calm and heavily secured as of Wednesday.
In Kaduna, a corps member posted from Lagos, identified as Esther, said her fears eased upon arrival.
“I was scared when I saw Kaduna on my posting letter because of the kidnappings we hear about. But seeing soldiers and police around the camp has calmed my nerves,” she said.
Another corps member in the state said his family extensively discussed safety precautions before his departure.
“My parents warned me to avoid unnecessary movement and stay within the camp. That’s my plan,” he said.
Several corps members said they were relying on collective vigilance, strict adherence to NYSC rules, and the presence of security personnel to stay safe during the orientation exercise.
A female corps member from the South-East said she had resolved to avoid late-night activities and limit movement outside official programmes.
“We are praying and being careful. After orientation, I will also be very selective about where I go for my primary assignment,” she said.
Parents demand stronger protection
Meanwhile, the National President of the Parents-Teachers Association of Nigeria, Haruna Danjuma, called on governments at all levels to provide maximum security for corps members deployed to volatile areas.
“The safety of these young Nigerians must not be taken lightly. Deployment to risky states must come with the highest level of protection,” he said.
He urged security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to collaborate in safeguarding corps members.
Efforts to reach the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to her phone were unanswered as of the time of filing this report.
States relocate camps
NYSC and state government officials in affected states said proactive steps had been taken to enhance security, including relocating orientation camps from high-risk areas.
The Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Mahmud Dantawasa, said the state relocated its orientation camp from Tsafe to Gusau, the state capital, to improve safety.
Similarly, Kaduna State continues to use a temporary camp at Government College, Kurmi Marshi, Kaduna South, following security concerns around the permanent site at Sabon Gaya.
In Kwara State, the orientation camp was moved from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, in September 2025, after repeated bandit attacks in parts of Kwara North.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, said the relocation was necessary to safeguard corps members.
“We are fully prepared for the orientation course, and security agencies have been deployed to ensure the safety of all participants,” he said.
A public affairs analyst in Ilorin, Waheed Bello, urged the Federal Government and the NYSC to conduct a comprehensive review of camp locations nationwide.
“Orientation camps should not be situated in crisis-prone areas. Temporary alternatives can be provided to avoid exposing young Nigerians to unnecessary risks,” he said.
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