NYSC Raises Security Concerns, Seeks Army Protection For Corps Members During 2027 Polls

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on the Nigerian Army to strengthen security arrangements for corps members expected to serve as ad hoc electoral officials during the 2027 general elections.

Nafiu stressed the need to protect corps members before, during and after the elections, noting that their involvement in the electoral process makes their safety a major concern for the scheme.

According to information made available to Bush Radio Academy, the NYSC chief made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola.

He explained that corps members would support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting the 2027 elections, making adequate security guarantees essential to ensuring their safety and effective participation.

Nafiu congratulated Babalola on his appointment and commended him for his commitment to the welfare of corps members serving within the division’s area of responsibility.

He also praised the GOC for prioritising the training, mentorship and professional development of young officers under his command.

The NYSC director-general further appreciated the 81 Division for providing a secure environment for the scheme’s activities across Lagos and Ogun states. He attributed the relatively peaceful security situation in the two states to the professionalism, experience and dedication of the military and other security agencies.

Highlighting Lagos State’s importance to the NYSC, Nafiu disclosed that the state accommodates approximately 20 per cent of corps members nationwide, with between 45,000 and 48,000 deployed there annually.

He also noted that Lagos and Ogun are among the few states where the scheme can deploy corps members to every local government area, unlike some other parts of the country where insecurity has restricted such deployments.

According to him, the favourable security conditions in both states have enabled the NYSC to carry out its responsibilities with minimal disruption.

Nafiu consequently commended the officers and soldiers of the 81 Division for their continued efforts in protecting corps members and maintaining a peaceful environment for the scheme’s operations.

In his response, Major General Babalola described Nafiu’s appointment as NYSC director-general as well deserved and acknowledged the continued cooperation and support provided by the Lagos State NYSC Secretariat.

The GOC assured the NYSC leadership that the 81 Division would sustain its partnership with the scheme, emphasising that the protection and welfare of corps members remained a priority.