Embarking on the NYSC orientation marks the beginning of a life-changing journey—one that often includes crossing hundreds of miles to an unfamiliar state. Your orientation is 21 days away from home, and your safety during travel is not just crucial—it’s essential. These NYSC travel safety tips will help you arrive prepared, protected, and confident.
Understanding NYSC and the Importance of Travel
The NYSC program mandates Nigerian graduates to serve in states other than their origin, promoting national unity and cultural integration. This often requires traveling long distances to unfamiliar regions, making travel safety a critical concern for prospective corps members (PCMs).
Essential NYSC Travel Safety Tips
1. Avoid Night Travel
It’s tempting to travel at night to beat traffic, but road risks and criminal activity spike once the sun goes down. A harrowing example occurred in March 2025, when Rofiat Lawal, a PCM heading to her PPA in Oyo from Edo, was kidnapped along the Benin–Ore Expressway after traveling at night. The kidnappers demanded ₦20 million ransom, later dropping to ₦5 million—with her family paying ₦1.1 million. If traveling late cannot be avoided, ensure you’re in a reputable rest stop or lodging before nightfall.
2. Use Reputable Transport Services
You might save a few extra naira on cheaper buses, but the consequences can be dire. In January 2025, a 14-seater bus carrying prospective corps members crashed en route to Ebonyi’s camp after veering into a parked truck at Okposi. Tragically, a female PCM was killed and several others injured. That bus lacked proper safety checks and maintenance—always opt for a well-known company departing from established parks. Avoid roadside pickups, as they may pose security risks.
3. Travel in Groups When Possible
Many corps members travel alone, yet a string of abductions throughout late 2024 and early 2025 proved how dangerous that can be. Solo travelers on the Abuja–Benin and Enugu–Lokoja highways became prime targets for abduction gangs. In one case, the only female victim paid a ransom before release. Traveling with peers not only deters criminals but ensures you have help if something goes wrong.
4. Use Live Location Sharing While You Travel
During your journey, especially long ones, consider activating a live location tool on your phone. In emergencies, this can help loved ones or authorities locate you quickly. After Rofiat Lawal was kidnapped, her phone went dark, and a ransom had to be negotiated. If she’d shared her movement in real time, help might have arrived far sooner.
5. Prepare a Travel Emergency Kit
Always carry essentials that could save you time and stress during travel. Pack a power bank to keep your phone alive, copies of your NYSC documents, a small first-aid kit, and local SIM cards. In August 2023, several PCMs traveling to Sokoto were kidnapped, and since they lacked communication resources, some waited days before help reached them. Being prepared could make a life-saving difference.
6. Dress Modestly, Blend In
While NYSC uniforms signify service and unity, sometimes they can also draw attention. In late 2024, a female corps member’s interaction over protocol turned violent when two teachers assaulted her at a local school. Beyond protocol, wearing understated clothing during travel and in public spaces helps you remain less obvious, reducing the risk of unwanted attention.
7. Inform at Least One Person of Your Plans
Staying connected is key. Let someone—whether a parent, sibling, or friend—know your expected departure and arrival times. This simple action is the foundation of any family’s peace of mind. In January, after rising abduction cases, NYSC DG strongly advised corps members to avoid night travel and keep loved ones in the loop . Sharing your plans gives others the chance to act fast if your arrival is delayed unexpectedly.
Have you heard about NauNauSOS Personal Safety App?
Before you pack your bags, download NauNauSOS on the App Store and make it your safety companion throughout your NYSC journey. With just one tap, you can share your live location, set emergency contacts, and even send silent SOS alerts if you ever feel unsafe. You can also scan and add trusted contacts in seconds—so your parents, friends, or fellow corps members can easily check in on you.
How Our Safety App Supports These Tips
Our app is designed to make adhering to these travel safety tips easier:
- Live GPS tracking keeps your trusted contacts updated during long journeys.
- Emergency alerts via Push Notifications let loved ones act immediately during an emergency.
- Daily check-ins and reminders help keep someone aware of your whereabouts.
With these layers of protection, you’re not facing uncertainty alone—but with your support system at hand.
Final Word of Caution
Your NYSC year is a time of growth, learning, and service. But the journey getting there matters too. Travel smart—plan for safety, not just arrival. Use NYSC travel safety tips as your travel toolkit, and let our app help keep you secure, no matter the distance.
Stay alert, stay prepared, serve Nigeria well—safely.