Follow Us on Google
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has charged Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used by greedy politicians as instruments of misinformation, hate or digital intimidation to achieve their ambitions.
Disu, has also called on youths not to allow themselves to be recruited for political violence, digital thuggery nor carry weapon for anybody’s political ambition.
Rather, he charged them to participate actively, peacefully, lawfully during elections and protect their future, which he said “is not yours alone”.
The IGP, gave the charge at the opening of the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue, organised by the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate the 2026, International Youth Day in Abuja.
He said “A Nigeria with educated, skilled, innovative and productive young people is a stronger Nigeria.
“A Nigeria whose young people are manipulated into violence, criminality and hatred is a Nigeria that loses”.
“Do not allow yourself to be recruited for violence. Second, do not carry a weapon for anybody’s political ambition. Third, do not become an instrument of misinformation, hate or digital intimidation. Fourth, participate actively, peacefully and lawfully in our democracy.
“Fifth, protect your future. Because your future is not yours alone. Your future is Nigeria’s future”.
The IGP, while noting the role of the police to create a safe and peaceful environment for a free, fair and credible elections for citizens to vote, warned that the police will not protect violence.
He therefore appeal to political leaders and actors across the political spectrum not to use the youth fight their political battles.
He said “do not recruit our young people to fight your political battles. Do not arm them. Do not finance violence. Do not incite them against their fellow citizens. Do not encourage them to commit crimes today and promise to protect them tomorrow.
“Nigeria cannot build a secure and prosperous future by destroying the generation that is expected to inherit that future”.
The IGP, while noting that the security dialogue is not simply about telling young people what not to do, said It is about building a partnership that gives them something better to do.
Worried about the insecurity in the country, the IGP, said The Nigeria Police Force wants to engage young Nigerians as partners in building safer communities; partners in preventing violence; partners in combating cybercrime; partners in promoting responsible digital citizenship; partners in protecting vulnerable persons; and partners in strengthening peaceful democratic participation.
He said “As we approach the 2027 electoral cycle, I urge you to remember a simple but profound reality: politicians contest elections, but you live with the consequences of those elections. When the campaign is over, political actors may reconcile.
When political rivals disagree, they may eventually shake hands. But the young Nigerian who loses his or her life to electoral violence does not return home. The person who is arrested must face the law.
The person permanently injured carries the scars. The family whose property is destroyed bears the loss. Do not allow anyone to use your youth to fight a battle that ultimately destroys your own future”.
Speaking on the role of the Nigerian police force, the IGP, said “Let me also speak clearly on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Force fully recognises and respects the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate in political activities, support political parties, express their opinions and campaign for candidates of their choice, provided such activities remain peaceful and lawful”.
He said “Our responsibility is to create the security environment in which these democratic rights can be exercised freely and safely.
We will protect citizens. We will facilitate peaceful campaigns.
We will secure candidates, campaign venues and public spaces within the law. We will protect the integrity of the electoral environment.
“But let me be equally clear: We will not protect violence.
We will not tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence. We will not tolerate the possession or use of weapons for electoral purposes, attacks on political opponents, intimidation of voters, destruction of public or private property, or any other criminal conduct disguised as political participation. The law will take its course against anyone who crosses that line. And this message is not directed at one political party or one political interest. It is directed at everyone”.
The IGP, who raised the alarm over what he described as the new frontier digital thuggery, said “There is, however, another battlefield that we must confront, and it is one that fits into the palm of your hand. Political violence is no longer confined to the streets. It can begin on a smartphone.
Misinformation. Disinformation. Hate speech. Cyberbullying.
Impersonation. Deepfakes. Online intimidation. Coordinated digital attacks. These are increasingly capable of damaging reputations, inflaming communities, provoking real-world violence and undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.
“To every young Nigerian holding a smartphone, I say: your digital footprint is part of your citizenship. Before you forward a message, verify it. Before you publish an allegation, establish the facts. Before you attack someone online, remember that there is a human being behind the screen. Before you share inflammatory content, ask yourself one question: “Will this build Nigeria or burn Nigeria?” Our message should therefore be simple: THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK. VERIFY BEFORE YOU SHARE. PAUSE BEFORE YOU POST.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS”
The IGP, while calling on the youth not to underestimate the power of their voices, said “Your voice matters in your community. Your voice matters in your school and workplace. Your voice matters online.
He said “Your voice matters in the democratic process. But influence comes with responsibility.
“You have the power to shape conversations, challenge injustice, mobilise communities, create businesses, develop technology, influence public policy and redefine Nigeria’s future”.
“Do not surrender that influence to those who seek to manipulate it for destructive purposes. You have a choice. You can choose to be used, or you can choose to lead. You can choose violence, or you can choose peace. You can choose destruction, or you can choose innovation. You can choose political thuggery, or you can choose education, entrepreneurship, technology, creativity and service. Choose leadership. Choose responsibility. Choose your future”.
