By John Umeh
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed a widely circulated pamphlet advising corps members to pay ransom if abducted, describing it as fake and misleading.
In a statement released via its official X account on Thursday, November 20, the NYSC clarified that although a consultant once presented a similar document to the management in 2021, it was never approved or adopted by the Scheme.
“The attention of the Management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been drawn to a purported NYSC pamphlet advising corps members to pay ransom in the event of kidnapping,” the statement read. “While a similar document was presented to Management for consideration by a consultant in 2021, it was not adopted by the Scheme.”
The agency emphasized that the circulating material is not an official NYSC publication and does not reflect its policies on the safety and security of corps members or staff. It urged the public to disregard the document in its entirety.
The management further reiterated its commitment to the welfare and protection of corps members nationwide, adding that the Scheme continues to work closely with security agencies and other partners to strengthen safety measures.
“Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve,” the statement concluded.
The denial follows renewed online circulation of the controversial pamphlet, which previously triggered public concern when it surfaced in 2021. The document purportedly contained tips on how to behave if kidnapped or held hostage—advice that included staying calm, cooperating with captors, and even allowing friends or parents to negotiate for one’s release.
The NYSC has, however, made it clear that such guidance did not originate from the Scheme and should not be regarded as an official position.
Some of the tips are as follows:
a. Do not resist armed kidnappers.
b. Keep calm and be patient.
c. Do not antagonize your captors, be polite and operate with reasonable regards. Give reasonable cooperation to your abductors.
d. Establish a personal relationship with your captors as early as possible.
e. The kidnappers may ask for contact persons, do not mention your place of work, but your close friends and parents. They will reach them to negotiate for your release.
f. Advice your friends involved in the negotiation, they should be friendly with your captors.
g. Be prepared for the natural reaction of the shock.
