The National Youth Service Corps, on Monday, gave the 2,000 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members a firm promise of safety and a peaceful service year from camp to posting areas across all nooks and crannies of Jigawa State.
PUNCH Online observed that the assurance came as the batch was sworn in amid tight security, at a time when the NYSC recently suspended swearing-in ceremonies in some states due to rising insecurity concerns.
It was gathered that the NYSC management had suspended similar ceremonies in Niger State following security threats that dominated public discussion and social media spaces nationwide in recent times.
Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Online on Monday shortly after the swearing-in ceremony held at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Jigawa State, the State NYSC Coordinator, Muhammad Baba, said the scheme was determined to ensure a peaceful service year for all corps members posted to the state.
“So many measures were already taken even before the arrival of the corps members into the camp, during their camp stay, and after their posting out across respective MDAs and LGAs in the state,” Baba told our correspondent.
According to him, the registration for the 2,000 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members is still in progress.
“For now, only 1,149 corps members have registered at the camp, but the portal is still open, and registration is ongoing. We expect the number to increase as more corps members arrive and complete their documentation before the end of the orientation period,” she said.
Giving further details, the coordinator explained that security measures were deployed before the corps members arrived, during camping, and after posting to MDAs and Local Government Areas across Jigawa, adding that “the scheme worked closely with security agencies to cover all phases.”
“From the border points, through transportation, to camp security and LGAs, we have worked with security agencies to ensure peace for every corps member,” he said.
He pointed out that this collaboration has made Jigawa one of the safest states for national service.
Addressing the corps members, Baba warned them against actions that could jeopardise their safety during the three-week orientation course.
He stressed that discipline and adherence to camp rules remain non-negotiable for everyone.
“You must avoid late-night movements, reckless use of social media, and unnecessary travel outside the camp without permission,” the coordinator cautioned.
He noted that such behaviours often expose corps members to avoidable risks.
However, the coordinator stated further that “after the swearing-in of 2000 new corps members for the orientation course, which will run for three weeks. Thereafter, the corps members will be posted and proceed to their primary places of assignment across MDAs and LGAs in Jigawa State.”
Baba also warned them against cultism, drug abuse, and involvement in partisan politics and reiterated that “the NYSC has zero tolerance for those vices and any corps member found culpable would face appropriate sanctions.”
He then urged them on discipline, patriotism, and community service as core values of the scheme, adding that “these values would guide them to make a positive impact during their service year.”
“Be good ambassadors of your families and institutions. Embrace the culture of your host communities and contribute meaningfully to development,” Baba urged the corps members.
Also responding while interviewed exclusively by PUNCH correspondent at the camp on the security measures on ground, the representative of the Jigawa State Police Commissioner, DCP Dahiru Aliya, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to the safety of corps members.
“We have put in place robust security arrangements towards ensuring security, peaceful service year for all posted corps members in the state,” DCP Aliya assured.
He noted that despite national concerns, Jigawa remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and attributed the development to proactive policing and intelligence gathering.
“Our men are on the ground at the camp 24/7. We also have patrol teams and intelligence units monitoring all LGAs where corps members will be posted,” the police boss stated.
He said the police would not relent until every corps member completes service safely.
Speaking with our correspondent, Corps Member, Aisha Mohammed, from Niger state, posted to Jigawa, shared her initial fears and renewed hope, saying, “The assurances changed my perspective about serving in Jigawa.
“Honestly, I was scared because of what I heard about insecurity, especially in recent times across the North. But the measures we have seen and the assurance from the coordinator and police have given me hope. I vow to serve diligently and impact my host community.”
Another corps member, Yusuf Sadiq, posted in Jigawa State, also expressed optimism.
He promised to abide by all rules and contribute to his host community.
“I will obey camp rules, respect the people of Jigawa, and use my skills in education to teach the children here. Jigawa is peaceful, and I am ready to serve,” he declared.
Earlier, Justice Amina Dahiru, who represented the Jigawa State Chief Judge at the event, administered the oath of allegiance and swore in the 2000 new corps members to formally begin their service year.
During the oath, the Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members raised their right hands in unison, pledging loyalty and service to the nation.
PUNCH Online reports that the occasion recorded high attendance from representatives of all security agencies in the state, government key personalities, traditional rulers, relevant stakeholders, parents, and members of the NYSC State Governing Board.
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