The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned political leaders against arming, financing or inciting Nigerian youths to perpetrate violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised to commemorate International Youth Day 2026.
The three-day programme, themed “Different Contents, Common Aspiration,” was held at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi.
The IGP also cautioned young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used as tools for political thuggery, stressing that they would bear the consequences of electoral violence long after politicians had settled their differences.
“Politicians contest elections, but you live with the consequences,” Disu said.
He added: “When the campaign is over, political rivals may reconcile and shake hands, but the young Nigerian who loses his or her life to electoral violence does not return home.”
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful political participation, but would maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards weapon possession, voter intimidation and electoral violence.
Beyond electoral security, the IGP raised concerns about emerging threats in the digital space and urged youths to exercise caution in their use of social media platforms.
He cited an instance in which a two-year-old video of a 30th wedding anniversary was manipulated and circulated online to spread disaffection.
He used the occasion to launch the police campaign, “Think Before You Click. Verify Before You Share,” urging young Nigerians to verify information before sharing it.
Disu also reminded the youths that their activities online could have consequences for their future, noting that embassies and prospective employers routinely evaluate applicants’ digital footprints.
The IGP further called on parents to take responsibility for the moral upbringing and discipline of their children rather than leaving parental duties to schools or security agencies.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, represented by Adamu Gwari, commended Disu for creating opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute to national development.
He urged the youths to maximise their youthful years and use the opportunities available to build a better future.
Similarly, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Despan Kwardem, praised the IGP for recognising youth development as a national security priority.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnerships aimed at promoting youth empowerment, peace, security, skills development and leadership.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, represented by Alhaji Ahmed Bello Dogondaji, also pledged the ministry’s support for the initiative, stressing that providing youths with economic opportunities would help address crime and other forms of insecurity.
The President of POWA, Chief Mrs Olufunmilola Disu, represented by Mrs Franca Achinyan, described the celebration as evidence of the importance attached to youth development.
She urged participants to use the three-day programme to learn, connect and develop themselves, assuring them of POWA’s continued support for youth growth and welfare.
The National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, commended the Nigeria Police Force for bringing youths and security stakeholders together.
He said dialogue, mutual respect and community partnership were essential to building trust and sustainable peace.
Afeez urged Nigerian youths to embrace their diversity while pursuing common aspirations for a peaceful, secure, prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
The programme continues on Friday and ends on Saturday.
(Nigerian Tribune)
