Corps members at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Ogun State Orientation Camp, Shagamu, have been urged to take personal security more seriously as insecurity continues to evolve across the country, affecting both urban and rural communities.
The charge was given by security and retired military officer, Mr Abiodun Ogundimu, during a lecture on security awareness and safety delivered to the 2026 Batch B Stream I corps members.
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Drawing from decades of military experience, Ogundimu cautioned corps members against assuming that security threats only affect prominent individuals, establishimg that every Nigerian has become vulnerable to the country’s changing security realities.
He said, “The security situation in our dear country is faced with diverse challenges due to the dynamics of threat. This has put every Nigerian at risk.”
According to him, the growing complexity of security challenges requires greater vigilance from citizens, especially young graduates who may be posted to unfamiliar environments during their service year.
He said corps members could be deployed to strategic institutions, government establishments, electoral bodies, or private organisations where they may be exposed to different security risks.
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He said, “In case you might be deployed to INEC, to Ministers, to Madam Tinubu, to Madam Remi, to Madam whatever. If you take up that role, you must be guarded. You must be very, very careful.”
Ogundimu warned that kidnapping, hostage-taking, armed robbery, and attacks on communities have become recurring threats in several parts of the country.
Referring to kidnapping incidents, he advised corps members to remain calm if confronted by abductors and avoid drawing attention to their status as NYSC members.
He said, “Do not tell them you are an NYSC member.”
He added, “Do not show and post that you’re a corps member. Let them contact your parents, and your parents will contact NYSC.”
The security expert noted that many people wrongly assume that being associated with government institutions offers protection during criminal attacks.
According to him, personal caution remains a more reliable safeguard.
Addressing armed robbery, Ogundimu urged corps members not to resist attackers unnecessarily.
He said, “Just give them whatever they want and go in peace.”
He explained that armed robbers are often unpredictable and capable of acting violently without provocation, making compliance in all such situations a safer option.
He said, “Those ones are brutal and stupid.”
Beyond physical security, the retired officer devoted considerable attention to substance abuse. He warned corps members against accepting drinks or consumables indiscriminately from friends and acquaintances.
He said, “You can say no to drink. You can say no to drugs. It is not by force.”
Ogundimu further advised corps members to distance themselves completely from drug-related activities, with an emphasis on the fact that addiction often begins with seemingly harmless experimentation.
He said, “If you enter it, to come out is a problem.”
Reflecting on his military career, he disclosed that despite serving in the Nigerian Army for 35 years, he never smoked cigarettes, arguing that professional success is not determined by alcohol or drug consumption.
The security expert concluded by reminding corps members that security should not be left to security agencies alone.
He said, “The next victim may be you or me.”
He added, “All of us are therefore vulnerable and have to be involved in the security situation of our homes, workplace, and communities.”
Urging corps members to remain alert throughout their service year, Ogundimu said security awareness was not designed to create fear but to encourage habits that preserve life.
He said, “Please note that the security awareness is only to remind us of the everyday routine necessary to remain alive.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of sound judgement and personal awareness.
He said, “Your individual instincts will remain key in your ability to assess situations mentally and act appropriately.”
The lecture, which was the first series for the Batch B Stream I Ogun corps members, formed part of the orientation course activities aimed at preparing corps members for life and service beyond the camp environment.
