Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Saturday urged Nigerian youths to shun political and digital thuggery, saying that allowing themselves to be used for violence today could destroy the future they hope to build for themselves and the country in general.
The IGP stated this while speaking at the closing ceremony of the International Youth Day 2026 National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
He, however, counselled young Nigerians to become active partners in building a peaceful, secure and democratic Nigeria.
IGP Disu warned young people against allowing politicians or other interests to manipulate them into acts of violence.
According to him, “Do not allow anyone to use your today to destroy your tomorrow for their own political gains.”
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.
IGP Disu, who pointed out that the gathering was more than another youth conference, noted that its real value would be measured by what participants did after leaving the venue.
He said, “Youth engagement must go beyond speeches. It must create understanding, responsibility and action.”
He pointed out that despite Nigeria’s ethnic, linguistic, political and social differences, young Nigerians share common aspirations for peace, security, opportunity and dignity.
A major focus of the closing ceremony was the Nigeria Police Force’s new youth campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery”.
IGP Disu urged young Nigerians to make better use of technology by deploying it for education, innovation, positive engagement and nation-building rather than violence and destruction.
The IGP also acknowledged that building public confidence in policing requires a relationship in which young people see the police as partners rather than only an institution they encounter when something has gone wrong.