The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that it will issue discharge certificates to the eight corps members who were recently rescued after being abducted by suspected terrorists in Zamfara State. The announcement was made by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, following the successful rescue of the last abducted corps member, Solomon Daniel Bassey, on August 22, 2024.
The prospective corps members were kidnapped on August 17, 2023, while traveling from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State for their one-year mandatory national service. Their vehicle, operated by Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC), was intercepted by the hoodlums on Funtua Bisau Road in Zamfara State. Although three of the corps members managed to escape, the remaining eight, along with their driver, were taken captive.
Brigadier General Ahmed, while addressing reporters in Abuja, confirmed that all the rescued corps members would be awarded discharge certificates, recognizing the trauma they endured during their abduction.
“After all they have gone through in the hands of their captors, they cannot be mobilized for service but will be given their discharge certificates,” he stated.
The rescue mission, which involved the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Security (DSS), and the NYSC, was carried out without the payment of any ransom, contrary to some media reports. Brigadier General Ahmed emphasized that no state government or external group contributed financially to the rescue efforts.
“No state government brought any amount for their rescue as claimed in the media. I must state that I have not received one naira from any state government so far in the name of the rescue of these corps members,” he clarified.
The Director-General also noted that the abductors had moved the corps members between different camps, complicating the rescue operation. Although no arrests have been made, the gang leader responsible for the kidnapping was reportedly killed.
Brigadier General Ahmed reiterated the NYSC’s commitment to the safety and security of all corps members, urging them to avoid traveling at night and to remain vigilant. He thanked the security agencies, traditional rulers, and the Governor of Zamfara State for their roles in the successful rescue operation.
One of the rescued corps members, Emmanuel Esudue Emmanuel, described their experience as traumatic and expressed gratitude to the NYSC and the security agencies for their rescue. The NYSC continues to prioritize the welfare of its members, ensuring their safety as they serve the nation.
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