Stakeholders in the security sector have cautioned the youths against electoral violence and other vices.
The stakeholders, including the Lagos State Police Command, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy and Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), noted that the youths are always the target of perpetrators of violence and crimes in Nigeria.
They urged Nigerian youths to shun political violence, cybercrime, drug abuse, cultism and other criminal activities that are capable of undermining national security.
The stakeholders, while speaking at the 2026 International Youths Day celebration and Police Youth Dialogue held at the POWA Hall, organised by the Lagos State Police Command, also urged the youths to be active partners in the development of Nigeria.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, warned young Nigerians against allowing politicians and other interests to recruit them for political violence, online attacks and other unlawful activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said that the youths risked being left to face the consequences of crimes committed on behalf of political actors who could abandon them once their interests had been served.
The police boss urged youths to reject attempts to use them as political thugs, online attackers or agents of violence, stressing that political participation must not be allowed to degenerate into violence.
According to him, some individuals could offer young people money to insult political opponents online, spread false information, attack opponents, vandalise property or disrupt public peace, only to disappear when the consequences of such actions emerge.
He advised, “Do not allow anyone to use your future to settle their present disagreement,” Fatai said, urging youths to participate actively in politics but within the limits of the law.”
CP Fatai also warned youths against carrying weapons for politicians, snatching electoral materials, intimidating voters, disrupting electoral processes or attacking political opponents.
He said, “Vote for whoever you believe in, campaign for whoever you support and defend your political ideas with facts and respect. When the election is over, Nigeria remains ours. Lagos remains ours. Our communities remain ours.”
The Commissioner said the threat of political thuggery had expanded beyond physical attacks, with digital platforms increasingly being used to threaten, harass, intimidate, spread false information, impersonate individuals, damage reputations and incite violence for political purposes.
He urged young people to verify information before sharing it and avoid reacting impulsively to provocative content on social media.
Fatai said, “Think before you post, verify before you share and pause before you react. You do not have to respond to every provocation. Sometimes, the strongest response is restraint.”
Commander Nigerian Navy Beecroft, Commodore Adams Aliu, represented by Commander E.E. Omokhodion, urged youths to verify information before posting it online and ensure that their social media activities do not inflame tensions, particularly as the country approaches another electoral season.
He said, “If you see unemployment, acquire skills and create opportunities. If you see environmental degradation, become an environmental advocate.
If you see insecurity, promote peace and responsible citizenship. If you see division, become a bridge. If you see corruption, choose integrity,”
Other speakers at the event also included Commandant of the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) Training School, Air Commodore Muhammed Asuekhome Imam; Commander of the 651 Base Services Group, Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja; and Brigadier General Olufemi Owolabi of the Nigerian Army 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Lagos.