The inspector-general of police, IGP Olatunji Disu has challenged Nigerian youths to reject political and digital thuggery, warning that allowing themselves to be used for violence today could destroy the future they hope to build.
Disu gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the International Youth Day 2026 National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, where he urged young Nigerians to become active partners in building a peaceful, secure and democratic Nigeria.
With Nigeria heading towards the 2027 general elections, Disu warned young people against allowing politicians or other interests to manipulate them into acts of violence.
“Do not allow anyone to use your today to destroy your tomorrow,” the IGP told the youths.
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 tree-planting exercise.
The IGP said the gathering was more than another youth conference, noting that its real value would be measured by what participants did after leaving the venue.
“Youth engagement must go beyond speeches. It must create understanding, responsibility and action,” Disu said.
He noted 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.”
The message comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over the use of young people as instruments of political violence, as well as the increasing spread of harmful content, misinformation and hate speech through digital platforms.
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.
