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The Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first holistic review of the scheme since it was established 53 years ago.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the decision on Monday after the FEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to the minister, the reforms are intended to modernise the national service programme, which was established in 1973, and align it with Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities and development priorities.

Olawande acknowledged that the NYSC has played a significant role in promoting national unity by bringing together graduates from different parts of the country for more than five decades. However, he noted that evolving national needs made it necessary to restructure the scheme.

“Our needs as a country have changed, and many expect the objectives of the NYSC to also change,” the minister said.

Among the approved changes is the introduction of a redesigned NYSC uniform aimed at reflecting professionalism and national pride. The government will also replace the traditional Passing Out Parade with a new graduation ceremony for corps members at the completion of their service year.

The reforms also include the deployment of a fully technology-driven call-up process to improve efficiency, as well as a risk-sensitive deployment system designed to enhance the safety and security of corps members during their service year.

In addition, the six-week orientation course will be overhauled to place greater emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital skills acquisition, and specialised career pathways.

The Federal Government also approved the introduction of skills-based primary assignments, ensuring corps members are posted to organisations that better align with their academic qualifications and professional competencies.

To improve service delivery, a national grading and certification framework will be introduced to raise standards across NYSC orientation camps nationwide.

The new governance structure will also provide for civilian operational leadership of the scheme, while the military will continue to play its existing role in providing security support during orientation exercises and other operational activities.

According to Olawande, the extensive review process began in 2025 and involved consultations with multiple stakeholders. He said the objective is to transform the NYSC into a skills-driven and productivity-focused institution that supports the Federal Government’s broader economic development agenda.

“For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service. Today, we have taken a bold step to preserve that legacy while preparing it for the future,” he stated.

To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the Federal Executive Council directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, to immediately begin the process of amending the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the necessary legal backing for the approved changes.

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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have rescued 10 candidates and teachers abducted during the recent attack on a school in Borno State after engaging fleeing terrorists in a fierce gun battle.

According to a statement by the military, the troops tracked the fleeing insurgents to the Daggu area, where they launched a coordinated operation supported by aerial surveillance.

The security forces successfully overpowered the terrorists and rescued 10 of the kidnapped candidates and teachers unharmed.

“The rescued candidates and teachers are currently receiving appropriate care and support,” the statement said.

The military disclosed that operations are still ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining abducted victim, while efforts are also being intensified to apprehend those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.

However, the operation came at a heavy cost.

Operation HADIN KAI confirmed that one of its soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the rescue mission.

Paying tribute to the fallen personnel, the military praised their sacrifice and dedication.

“Their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment exemplify the collective resolve of security forces and local volunteers who continue to risk their lives daily to protect innocent citizens and restore peace across the North-East,” the statement added.

The military further disclosed that security operations have been intensified across the affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to prevent further attacks.

It added that security has been reinforced around vulnerable communities and schools as part of measures to improve the safety of residents and students in the region.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks operating in the North-East and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.

The military also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.

It further urged residents to disregard unverified reports and misinformation surrounding the incident while ongoing operations continue.

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that the Federal Government is working to remove the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers, describing the provision as a loophole that weakens the fight against drug-related crimes.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this during a chat with Channels TV, he said the judiciary has remained a strong partner in the agency’s efforts to prosecute drug offenders, noting that the agency records a conviction rate of nearly 90 per cent.

He, however, identified the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers as a major challenge, saying its removal would serve as a stronger deterrent.

“There is a small nag there and that is the issue of the option of fine, and we are very grateful that the Federal Government through the office of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is addressing that.

“I think there is an executive bill which will soon get to the national assembly to amend the law so that there will be no that option of fine.

“Because they know that there is a loophole for an option of fine, the judge gives an option of fine, then you find them paying there whether 5 million, 10 million, 20 million.
“But that I believe is being addressed at the moment and when that law is passed then there will be nothing like that, you will have probably a minimum of 15 then 25 years in prison so that you know that when you are arrested you are going to jail and then you lose everything,” Babafemi said.

He said the proposed amendment, being championed through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, would eliminate the fine option and replace it with mandatory prison terms ranging from 15 to 25 years for convicted drug traffickers.

This, he said, would ensure that offenders face imprisonment rather than paying fines and returning to the illicit drug trade.
Babafemi described the global drug problem as a hydra-headed monster, but said the NDLEA has remained relentless in its campaign against drug trafficking, recording significant successes.

He said the agency’s sustained crackdown on drug traffickers has reduced the availability of illicit drugs, leading to scarcity and a sharp rise in street prices.

According to him, even drug users have acknowledged the impact of the agency’s operations.
“If you follow some of the conversations online, you will hear young people complaining, ‘Why are you people always seizing these things? Now because of what you are doing, a gram of cana has moved from N5,000 to N35,000.’”

Babafemi said the agency has, in some of its recent operations, uncovered billions of naira in the bank accounts of suspected drug traffickers, adding that the funds have been frozen while efforts are underway to secure their forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Babafemi said Nigeria has become an increasingly hostile environment for drug traffickers, forcing many of them to relocate to other countries to evade arrest.
He, however, said the agency continues to monitor their activities through collaboration with its counterparts in the countries where they are hiding, with the aim of tracking them down and bringing them to justice.