Powerful Experts on NYSC Kidnappings Prove Their Value

The abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State has renewed a painful question.

Why kidnappers target NYSC members?

Security experts point to a convergence of factors that make corps members attractive victims.

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THE PERCEPTION OF VALUE

Corps members are typically graduates from educated, often middle-class families. Kidnappers calculate that such families can mobilise resources, through savings, loans, community contributions or extended family networks, to pay ransom.

They are seen as valuable because they come from homes that will do anything to get them back. This explains why kidnappers target NYSC members.

THE RANSOM ECONOMY

Kidnapping in Nigeria is, fundamentally, a business. The payment of ransom in previous cases has created an expectation of profitability.

Reports that families paid N6 million per victim in the recent NYSC abduction only reinforce this calculus. Every ransom paid funds the next abduction.

VULNERABILITY ON THE ROAD

Corps members travel long distances, often on poorly secured highways, with orientation camp schedules that are publicly known. Buses conveying corps members are identifiable and predictable.

The Owerri-Onitsha Road abduction occurred as the victims travelled from Ibadan to camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states, a journey through multiple security flashpoints.

INSTITUTIONAL GAPS

The NYSC deploys hundreds of thousands of young Nigerians annually. Security along travel routes is not guaranteed, and escorts are not standard.

Experts argue that the scheme needs a security overhaul. They call for coordinated escorts for movements and real-time tracking of vehicles. This includes pre-departure security briefings and stricter control of travel information, and explains why kidnappers target NYSC members.

THE HUMAN DIMENSION

Behind the analysis are 20 young Nigerians who were held at gunpoint for six days. They were eventually rescued at Amakohia Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area after a joint operation by police, military, DSS and other agencies.

They survived.

The next set may not be so lucky. ValidViewNetwork reports that the rescued corps members have been offered postings to South-West states.