By Nkechi Eze
The National Youth Service Corps and the Nigeria Police Force have renewed their commitment to deepen collaboration aimed at improving the security of corps members across the country.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, reaffirmed this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, at the Force Headquarters.
According to a statement issued by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the visit focused on strengthening existing cooperation between both institutions, particularly in ensuring the safety of corps members deployed nationwide.
During the meeting, Nafiu congratulated the police chief on his appointment and commended him for the recent inauguration of a special operational team within the force.
He noted that the Nigeria Police Force has remained a critical partner in the successful implementation of NYSC programmes since the scheme was established.
“The Police has been instrumental to the success of NYSC activities and programmes since its inception,” Nafiu said.
The NYSC Director-General appealed to the police hierarchy to sustain and intensify efforts to protect corps members and officials both within orientation camps and in their places of primary assignment.
He also called for enhanced security coverage for corps members’ lodges and properties across the country, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Nafiu further raised the issue of exemption certificates for graduates of the Nigeria Police Academy, noting that the NYSC Act exempts members of the armed forces and paramilitary organisations from participating in the national service programme.
He therefore proposed closer collaboration between the NYSC and the management of the Police Academy to facilitate the issuance of statutory certificates of exemption to eligible graduates of the institution.
Responding, the Inspector-General of Police assured the NYSC leadership that the police would continue to prioritise the safety and security of corps members across the country.
Disu noted that the police already have the addresses of corps lodges nationwide, which would enable them to respond swiftly whenever the need arises.
“The addresses of all the corps lodges are available with the Police to take appropriate action as occasion demands,” the IGP stated.
He also welcomed the proposal regarding exemption certificates for graduates of the Nigeria Police Academy and assured the NYSC Director-General of sustained cooperation between both organisations in advancing the objectives of the national service scheme.
