The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Nigeria Police Force have vowed to strengthen their partnership to ensure the safety of corps members across the country.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
High-level security talks
General Nafiu congratulated the IGP on his recent appointment and praised the launch of his new “crack team” designed to tackle crime. The Director General emphasised that the police have been “instrumental” to the scheme’s success since its inception in 1973. However, he stressed the need for heightened vigilance as the country moves toward the next electoral cycle.
Key requests from the NYSC chief included:
Enhanced patrols: Maximum security for corps members and officials both inside and outside orientation camps.
Asset protection: Safeguarding corps lodges and personal property.
Election safety: Specific protection measures for those serving during the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the Police Academy
The meeting also touched on administrative legalities. Under the NYSC Act, members of the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are exempt from national service. General Nafiu proposed a formal interface with the Nigeria Police Academy to ensure its graduates receive their statutory certificates of exemption upon completion of their studies.
‘We have the addresses’
Responding to the concerns, IGP Disu reassured the NYSC leadership that the force remains committed to the scheme’s security. He noted that the police already maintain a database of all corps lodges nationwide to ensure rapid response when required.
The IGP also welcomed the proposal regarding exemption certificates for Police Academy graduates, promising “maximum cooperation” moving forward.
Add Comment