NYSC, Police Partner to Strengthen Security of Corps Members

NYSC, Police Partner to Strengthen Security of Corps Members

FELICIA ONAH, Abuja

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Nigerian Police Force have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration aimed at strengthening the safety of corps members across the country.

This formed the highlight of discussions when the Director General of NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

During the visit, Nafiu congratulated the police chief on his appointment and commended him for the recent inauguration of a specialised tactical team, describing it as a step towards strengthening internal security.

He acknowledged the longstanding role of the police in the success of NYSC programmes nationwide, noting that the partnership has remained critical since the establishment of the scheme.

“The Police has been instrumental to the success of NYSC activities and programmes since inception,” he said.

The NYSC boss, however, called for intensified security measures to protect corps members and officials both within orientation camps and at their places of primary assignment.

He particularly stressed the need for vigilance as the country gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections.

“We appeal for maximum security of corps members and NYSC officials within and outside the orientation camps,” Nafiu said, adding that corps lodges and other facilities should also be adequately protected.

Beyond security concerns, the Director General raised the issue of exemption certificates for graduates of the Nigeria Police Academy, noting that the NYSC Act exempts members of the armed forces and paramilitary agencies from national service.

He expressed the desire for closer engagement with the management of the Police Academy to ensure that eligible graduates are issued certificates of exemption in line with statutory provisions.

Responding, the Inspector General of Police assured that the Force would sustain its support for the NYSC and continue to prioritise the safety of corps members nationwide.

“The Police will continue to secure the Scheme,” Disu said, adding that security agencies already have records of corps lodges across the country to enable prompt response when necessary.

He described the proposal on exemption certificates for Police Academy graduates as a welcome development and pledged increased cooperation between both institutions.

The renewed partnership is expected to further strengthen security coordination, particularly as corps members remain actively engaged in national assignments across all states of the federation.