The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed the safe recovery of the last prospective Corps member, Solomon Daniel Bassey, among the eight individuals kidnapped on August 17, 2023, in Zamfara State.
These individuals were on their way to the Sokoto State Orientation Camp for their service year when they were abducted.
NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, disclosed this development during a press briefing.
He revealed that all the rescued Corps members, including Bassey, will be issued discharge certificates instead of being mobilized for service, given the trauma they endured during captivity.
The abduction occurred as the Corps members were traveling from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus.
Although the bus was carrying 11 Corps members and the driver, three managed to escape during the incident.
The remaining eight, along with the driver, were taken by the abductors.
Brigadier General Ahmed highlighted that the successful rescue operations were made possible through the combined efforts of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and NYSC, without any ransom payment.
He clarified that no state government or external group provided financial aid for the rescue, countering some media claims.
The NYSC head further emphasized the organization’s commitment to the welfare and security of its members.
He noted that during the period of captivity, the abducted Corps members were frequently moved from one location to another, complicating rescue efforts.
In closing, Ahmed expressed gratitude to the security agencies and traditional rulers who contributed to securing the release of the Corps members, reaffirming NYSC’s dedication to the safety of all its participants.
