The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commenced the orientation of corps members at the recently renovated Arabic Teachers College (ATC) camp in Borno State. This marks a significant moment as the camp reopens after a hiatus of 13 years due to insurgency-related challenges. The camp, now able to accommodate up to 3,000 individuals, is equipped with essential facilities including hostels, water, and electricity supplies for the corps members.
In an official statement, Mohammed Adamu, the NYSC State Coordinator, reassured the public about the security arrangements in place. He conveyed the assurances provided by the military, police, and other security agencies regarding the safety of all personnel, including orientation resource persons and corps members participating in the program. Notably, this resumption of orientation activities occurs 12 years after the emergence of Boko Haram terrorism in the state.
Emphasizing the strategic location of the camp, Adamu remarked, “The renovated ATC camp of the state government is located in the midst of security agencies’ head offices along Airport Road.” This positioning, along with the security measures in place, was intended to alleviate concerns of parents and guardians regarding the well-being of their children and wards during the three-week orientation period.
Adamu also highlighted the positive sentiment expressed by the residents of Maiduguri, including the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi, who welcomed the resumption of orientation activities in the state.
During an inspection of the camp, Mohammed Yusuf, the Commissioner of Police, explained the purpose of their visit. He stated that the assessment aimed to understand the security dynamics of the area and the deployment of security personnel. He further assured the public of a comprehensive and strategic deployment of police personnel at the camp’s entry and exit points, as well as at other crucial locations to ensure safety.
The Nigerian Army echoed the sentiment of safety and progress in the region through a tweet from @HQNigerianArmy. The tweet emphasized that the NYSC Orientation Camp’s reopening symbolizes the return of peace to Borno state, as a result of the successful efforts of OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) in countering insurgency and terrorism in the Northeastern states of Nigeria.
With the commencement of orientation, a total of 1,161 corps members are participating in the program at the revitalized Arabic Teachers College camp in Borno State.
