Stay Safe: NYSC Members Advised to Be Security Conscious in Their Host Communities
By Anthonia N. Okwuolise
Corps members serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme have been urged to remain security conscious and vigilant in their places of primary assignment, as well as play active roles as peace ambassadors throughout their service year.
This charge was delivered on July 6, 2025, by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a security sensitization programme organized for corps members at the NYSC orientation camp in Kabba, Kogi State.
Represented by Commander Godwin Egbunu, General Musa, through a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, emphasized the importance of corps members familiarizing themselves with the environment, culture, and daily life of the host communities where they are posted. He noted that such understanding would help them avoid unnecessary risks, stay safe, and blend in with their surroundings without drawing negative attention.
He encouraged corps members to be genuinely interested in the activities of their host communities and to remain informed about events or developments happening around them. According to him, this involvement not only enhances safety but also fosters mutual trust and integration between the corps members and the local people.
The CDS also charged the corps members to maintain a high level of patriotism and commitment in the discharge of their duties. He reminded them that they were representatives of their families and the Nigerian nation, and should, therefore, live and act as true ambassadors of peace and positive change.
General Musa further cautioned against the misuse of social media, warning corps members not to become tools for spreading false or unverified information. He advised them to use their phones productively and responsibly, avoiding actions that may attract harm to themselves or others.
Additionally, he warned about the influence of negative friendships, urging corps members to choose their associates wisely. He reminded them that peer pressure can lead people into regrettable situations, especially when one gets involved in things they do not truly support. Instead, he encouraged them to be exemplary in character and conduct, especially in their places of assignment where people, particularly the youth, often look up to them.
Commander Egbunu, who led the Defence team to the camp, also advised the corps members to take part in community activities, including environmental clean-ups and developmental projects, which help in building goodwill and a sense of belonging in their host communities.
On personal safety, he strongly advised against moving alone, especially in unfamiliar areas. He emphasized the importance of moving in groups, explaining that criminals are less likely to strike when people are in numbers. He also encouraged corps members to regularly update their families and friends about their movements and whereabouts for their own safety.
In his words, “Be security conscious, avoid sharing your live locations on social media, especially when it could cause unnecessary panic, and always make sure your loved ones know where you are at all times.”
As a precautionary measure, Commander Egbunu recommended that corps members collect and save the contact details of local security agencies as soon as they arrive at their places of primary assignment. This, he said, would help them get immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
The session ended with a strong reminder that the safety of every corps member is paramount, and that being alert, informed, and positively engaged within their environment is the best way to stay safe and make meaningful impact during their one-year national service.
