NYSC uniform not license to commit crime – Ogun CP to corps members

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, has warned corps members serving in the state that wearing the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, uniform does not grant immunity from the law.

Ojajuni gave the stern warning during a strategic courtesy visit by the Ogun State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Adewuyi Frances, and her management team to the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

According to a statement made available to DAILY POST on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the NYSC, and to reinforce strategies for the safety and welfare of corps members across the 20 local government areas of the state.

Welcoming the delegation, CP Ojajuni said the protection of lives and property remains a non-negotiable mandate of the Command, and assured that corps members will continue to receive adequate security attention.

Speaking directly to corps members present, the CP drew from his own NYSC experience, urging them to use the service year to build character, discipline and leadership skills.

He, however, cautioned them against criminal acts and bad associations, noting that “the NYSC uniform offers no immunity against criminal liability should an infraction be established against anyone.”

The police boss charged them to remain good ambassadors of the scheme, their families, home states, and Nigeria at large during and after service.

As part of non-kinetic policing, CP Ojajuni introduced the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV, to the corps members, describing it as a community-driven initiative to redirect youths from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices through value re-orientation.

He also disclosed plans for a statewide POCACOV campaign that will target schools and communities across Ogun to deepen youth engagement and crime prevention.

The CP urged the management team to remain steadfast in their regulatory oversight, emphasising that strict adherence to established rules and discipline is essential to raising upright, responsible citizens.

Concluding his address, the Commissioner referenced the Command’s recent swift and professional operational response that led to the safe rescue of 18 corps members stranded at a vulnerable location along the Ogbere–Ijebu Ode axis after their vehicle broke down at night, reiterating that the protection and security of every individual within Ogun State remains the paramount priority of the Command.

Responding, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Frances, commended the Command for its “exemplary care and mentorship” of corps members posted to police formations, and for proactive security measures statewide.

She pledged continued cooperation in intelligence sharing and urged the Command to sustain its efforts in keeping Ogun safe.