The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (National Youth Service Corps), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has issued a stern warning to corps members across the country, cautioning them against involvement in cybercrime, cyberbullying, and other illegal online activities, saying offenders will be arrested and prosecuted under Nigerian law.
The warning was delivered during a sensitisation programme aimed at promoting discipline and responsible digital behaviour among serving corps members nationwide.
According to the NYSC leadership, corps members who engage in online misconduct such as internet fraud, identity theft, cyber harassment, defamation, or the spread of malicious content will not be shielded by their status in the national service scheme.
Brigadier General Nafiu stressed that possession of an NYSC identity card does not provide immunity from prosecution, noting that law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to take action against offenders.
“If someone says you cyberbullied him or her, the police will arrest you with your NYSC identity card, and you will bear that responsibility,” he warned, emphasizing that digital actions have real-world legal consequences.
He further clarified that the NYSC will not intervene to obstruct investigations or prosecutions involving corps members accused of cyber-related crimes. Instead, such cases will be handled by relevant security and judicial authorities in line with Nigerian cybercrime laws.
However, he noted that in some situations, the scheme may engage legal support structures such as the Legal Aid Council to ensure fair legal representation where necessary, but this does not absolve offenders of responsibility.
The NYSC DG also urged corps members to use social media responsibly, advising them to avoid content that could be interpreted as harassment, defamation, incitement, or misinformation.
He acknowledged the growing influence of digital platforms among young Nigerians but warned that the rules of engagement have changed, adding that online behaviour is now closely monitored and subject to legal scrutiny.
