By Maryam Shuaibu
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to the Katsina State Government to redesign parts of its permanent orientation camp by providing a separate entrance and clearly separating adjoining government facilities, citing growing security concerns.
The appeal was made by the Katsina State Coordinator of the NYSC, Evans Okwor, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch “B” Stream I corps members deployed to the state.
Okwor said the current arrangement, which allows the orientation camp to share access with the state-owned Youth Craft Village and other public facilities, poses security risks and falls short of the operational standards required by the NYSC headquarters.
According to him, the increasing security challenges being experienced in parts of the country make it necessary for the scheme to have full control over access to the camp.
“We need a separate entrance gate that will enable the NYSC to effectively regulate movement into and out of the orientation camp,” he said.
He explained that sharing access points with other agencies compromises security protocols and could expose corps members and camp officials to avoidable risks.
Infrastructure challenges persist
Beyond security concerns, the coordinator also highlighted infrastructure deficiencies within the camp, particularly the condition of the male hostels.
While acknowledging renovation works carried out on some female hostel blocks, Mr Okwor noted that the male hostels remain in need of urgent rehabilitation to accommodate the growing number of corps members posted to the state each year.
He called on the state government to sustain investments in camp facilities to improve the welfare, comfort and safety of participants during orientation programs.
Despite the challenges, the NYSC official commended the Katsina State Government, security agencies and other stakeholders for their continued support of the scheme.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting national unity, community development and youth empowerment through its various programs.
The request comes against the backdrop of ongoing security concerns in parts of Katsina State, one of the states most affected by banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria’s North-West region.
Although authorities have recorded progress through military operations and local security initiatives, including the Community Watch Corps established by the administration of Dikko Radda, attacks and abductions continue to occur in some rural communities.
Recent security concerns were heightened following the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife in Matazu Local Government Area. The retired military officer later died while in captivity, prompting renewed security operations in the area.
Governor advises corps members
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda urged the 1,130 corps members deployed to Katsina State to be law-abiding and avoid activities capable of threatening peace and national unity.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Surajo Yazid Abubakar, the governor warned against involvement in cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, religious extremism and ethnic intolerance.
He encouraged the corps members to integrate with their host communities, respect local traditions and contribute meaningfully to development initiatives during their service year.
The governor also challenged them to undertake projects that would positively impact their host communities and leave lasting benefits after their service.
The 2026 Batch “B” Stream I orientation exercise commenced nationwide this month and will be followed by the deployment of corps members to their respective places of primary assignment after the mandatory three-week orientation programs.