The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject political and digital thuggery, warning them against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the warning at the closing ceremony of the 2026 International Youth Day National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative organised by the Nigeria Police Force.
The three-day programme, held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” focused on youth leadership, security, peace-building and responsible participation in the democratic process.
Speaking at the event, the IGP said the Police campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” was aimed at encouraging young Nigerians to resist manipulation and protect their future.
“Do not allow anyone to use your today to destroy your tomorrow,” Disu told the youths.
He stressed that despite differences in background, language and opinions, Nigerian youths share common aspirations for peace, security, opportunity and dignity.
The IGP also called for stronger cooperation between the Police and young Nigerians, emphasising that effective security requires collective responsibility.
“The Police must listen to the youths, and the youths must work with the Police. Security is not the responsibility of the Police alone. It is a shared responsibility,” he said.
Disu further urged young Nigerians to use social media responsibly, warning against the spread of hatred and misinformation while encouraging them to harness technology for education, innovation and positive engagement.
“You can be the generation that is manipulated into destroying communities, or the generation that builds them. You can spread hatred online, or use technology to educate, innovate and connect,” he said.
He also charged participants to embrace the Abuja Youth Declaration on Peace, Responsible Citizenship and Democratic Participation, urging them to take its principles into their schools, communities, organisations and digital spaces.
According to him, the declaration should not become another document that is signed and forgotten, but a commitment to choosing peace over violence, dialogue over conflict and nation-building over destruction.
The IGP announced that the Police would extend the youth engagement initiative beyond Abuja to schools, tertiary institutions, NYSC formations and youth organisations across the country.
He said the move would strengthen preventive policing, responsible digital citizenship, peaceful democratic participation and Police-youth partnerships.
Disu commended development and international partners, civil society organisations, government institutions, private-sector sponsors, facilitators, volunteers and Police personnel for supporting the initiative.
He urged Nigerian youths to take ownership of the country’s future, stressing that every meaningful change begins with an individual decision.
“Every great change begins with a choice. Let us choose peace, responsibility and Nigeria,” the IGP said.
