The National Youth Service Corps NYSC has debunked media reports claiming its DG, Brig. Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, announced plans to mobilise corps members for war.
Ibrahim in a recent interview said corps members are part of the national defence policy of Nigeria and that where there is a serious war, they can be trained for use.
Some Nigerian media houses have interpreted his comment to mean corp members are to be mobilised to fight in areas where there are conflicts.
However, in a statement signed by Deputy Director (Publications), Emeka Mgbemena, on Friday, the NYSC says it is not planning to deploy the corps members for any war.
The Director-General actually meant that “in line with the National Defence Policy, Corps Members are like soldiers on reserve, because their education, exposure and sophistication, can make them easily adaptable to military training.”
He emphasized that “the Scheme shall continue to safeguard the interest of Corps Members at all times.”