Dalena Reporters l Thursday, March 5, 2026
ABUJA — A serving member of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who was previously abducted by suspected terrorists is now feared dead, despite his family reportedly paying ₦10 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
According to reports, the corps member had been held captive for several days by Islamic armed bandits, who demanded money in exchange for his release. Family sources said the ransom was eventually raised and paid in the hope of securing his freedom.
However, after the payment was made, the victim was reportedly killed by his captors, raising renewed outrage over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the increasing number of kidnapping cases across the country.
Earlier reports had indicated that the abducted corps member pleaded for help in captivity, describing how he was brutalized by the terrorists and urging authorities to intervene.
The tragic development has sparked fresh concerns about the safety of young graduates participating in the NYSC scheme, which requires them to serve in various states across Nigeria. Critics say the program has become increasingly risky as kidnappings and violent attacks spread across many parts of the country.
Security experts and civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger protection for corps members, especially those posted to areas with active banditry or insurgent activity.
As of the time of this report, security authorities had not issued a detailed official statement confirming the killing, while investigations into the incident are expected to continue.
The case highlights the growing challenge of kidnapping-for-ransom in Nigeria, where armed groups frequently abduct civilians, travelers and students, often demanding large payments from families desperate to secure the release of their loved ones.