NYSC grants discharge certificates to corps members abducted in Zamfara

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen Yusha’u Ahmed has announced the rescue of a prospective corps member, Solomon Daniel Bassey, who was abducted on August 17, 2023.

Bassey was the last of eight corps members rescued following their kidnap on August 17, 2023 by suspected terrorists on their way to camp in Zamfara State on Monday, August 21, 2023.

Addressing reporters on Friday, the Director-General said all the corps members who were rescued from Zamfara State would be issued discharge certificates.

He noted that after all the rescued corps members had gone through in the hands of their abductors, they could not be mobilised for service but be given their discharge certificates.

The prospective corps members were travelling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, for the one-year mandatory national service, when their vehicle was intercepted by kidnappers.

Although there were reportedly 11 corps members and the driver in the bus, three escaped during the attack.

The eight corps members were abducted alongside the driver.

Speaking at the briefing, the NYSC boss said through the combined effort of the security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army and the NYSC, the mission started yielding results with the rescue of the first set of four prospective Corps members.

“On August 22, we rescued the last corps member in a set of eight, Solomon Daniel Bassey.

“On the 30th of August, 2023, we rescued the first prospective corps member, Emmanuel Emmanuel Esudue. Victoria Bassey Udoka was rescued on the 20th of October, 2023. Abigail Peter Sandy was rescued on the 7th of December, 2023. Sabbath Anyaewe Ikan was equally rescued on the 7th of December, 2023.

“Obong Victor Udofia was rescued on the 3rd of February, 2024. Daniel Bassey was rescued on the 8th of February, 2024. Glory Etukudu Thomas was rescued on the 9th of June, 2024.

“Yesterday (August 22), we rescued the last person who is Solomon Daniel Bassey.”

He noted that no ransom payment was paid to rescue the corps members.

The DG said the corps member was rescued through the combined effort of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Army.

“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. No group of people or organisation aided in the rescue of the prospective corps members apart from the security agencies, particularly the army and the DSS,” he said.

According to Ahmed, the corps members were transferred from one camp to the other during the period, saying this was why they were not rescued from one place.

He said so far, no arrest has been made but the gang leader who organised the kidnap has been killed.

The NYSC Director-General emphasised the importance of safety for corps members and urged them to avoid travelling at night.

He reaffirmed that the welfare and security of all NYSC members remained the scheme’s top priority.

He added: “You will remember when these Corps members were travelling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom to Sokoto. They were kidnapped on August 17, 2024, on Funtua Bisau Road in Zamfara State.”

He explained that the NYSC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and traditional rulers, worked tirelessly to secure the release of the Corps members.

The Director-General also mentioned a meeting with the governor of Zamfara State, which played a crucial role in the operation.

“Through the combined effort of the security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army and the NYSC, the mission started yielding results with the rescue of the first set of four prospective Corps members,” he added.

One of the rescued corps members, Emmanuel Esudue Emmanuel said their experience at the hands of their abductors was traumatic.

Emmanuel appreciated the Scheme and the security agencies for their efforts in rescuing them.