The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has warned Nigerian youths against allowing politicians to recruit or manipulate them into political violence, urging them to protect their future by rejecting thuggery and the misuse of digital platforms.
Disu gave the warning in Abuja at the closing ceremony of the International Youth Day 2026 National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, where he challenged young Nigerians to become active partners in building a peaceful, secure and democratic country.
“Do not allow anyone to use your today to destroy your tomorrow,” the IGP told the participants.
He said the consequences of political violence could extend far beyond election periods, stressing that young people who allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence risk sacrificing their own future for the temporary interests of politicians and other individuals.
The three-day initiative, held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” focused on youth leadership, peace, security and responsible citizenship, with activities including panel discussions, a walkathon and a tree-planting exercise.
Disu said the programme was designed to move youth engagement beyond speeches and discussions by equipping young Nigerians with the understanding and responsibility needed to contribute positively to their communities and the country.
“Youth engagement must go beyond speeches. It must create understanding, responsibility and action,” he said.
The IGP noted that although Nigeria is divided along ethnic, linguistic, political and social lines, young Nigerians share common aspirations for peace, security, opportunity and dignity.
He therefore urged youths to reject attempts to exploit these differences for political or violent purposes, saying their energy and influence should instead be directed towards nation-building.
A major focus of the event was the Nigeria Police Force’s youth campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” aimed at discouraging youths from participating in political violence and promoting responsible use of technology.
Disu also expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation, hate speech and harmful content through digital platforms, urging young Nigerians to use technology for education, innovation, positive engagement and national development.
He said young people have an important role to play in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.
The IGP further called for stronger relations between the police and youths, stressing that public confidence in policing would improve when young Nigerians see the Police as partners in protecting lives, maintaining peace and securing communities.
Disu maintained that the future of Nigeria cannot be secured through violence, urging young Nigerians to refuse to be used as political tools and instead channel their creativity, energy and influence towards building a safer, peaceful and prosperous nation.
