By Adam JosephÂ
Anxiety Grows as NYSC Opens Camps in Insecure States
Widespread concern has greeted the commencement of the 2026 Batch A (Stream 1) orientation programme of the National Youth Service Corps, as thousands of prospective corps members prepare to report to camps located in states battling insecurity.
Across several northern states, including Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Yobe, Plateau and Katsina, the opening of orientation camps has heightened fears among corps members and their families, following recent incidents of banditry, kidnappings and bomb scares. Many of the participants are expected to undertake long journeys through areas described by security reports as volatile.
The unease comes amid a rise in violent attacks and mass abductions in parts of the country, particularly in the North. Despite the situation, NYSC officials have repeatedly assured that adequate security arrangements have been put in place at all orientation camps.
In a statement released on January 6, 2026, the scheme confirmed that the Batch A (Stream 1) orientation exercise would begin nationwide on Wednesday, January 21, across the 37 recognised camps.
The NYSC had earlier disclosed that about 650,000 graduates would be mobilised for national service in 2026, representing a significant increase from the 400,000 deployed in 2025. However, it is expected that only about 40 per cent of those registered will take part in the current stream, with others deferred to later batches.
Recent reports have identified several states as flashpoints of insecurity, including Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Yobe and Borno. Although official deployment figures have not been released, findings indicate that roughly 8,000 corps members may be participating in the orientation exercise across these high-risk areas.
In Yobe State, about 1,200 corps members were sworn in on Friday. Kaduna State is projected to host around 2,000 participants, while Katsina is expected to receive about 2,050. Zamfara State is preparing for approximately 600 corps members, according to its NYSC coordinator, Muhammad Ahmed. Sokoto and Kebbi states are also expected to host about 1,900 and 1,700 corps members, respectively.
Some corps members who have already arrived at orientation camps described their journeys as tense, citing security concerns along major routes. State governments, however, have maintained that security has been strengthened around camp facilities to ensure the safety of all participants throughout the 21-day programme.
