Political, Digital Thuggery Threats To 2027 Poll In Katsina – Police

The Katsina State Police Command has identified political and digital thuggery as emerging threats to peace and security ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The command raised the concern during a youth dialogue held at its headquarters in Katsina on Saturday as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day.

The dialogue, themed, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” and sub-themed “Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery,” brought together youth leaders, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) officials, student representatives, stakeholders and senior police officers.

Representing the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DCP Aminu Usman Gusau, declared the session open.

The Commissioner said the engagement was aimed at creating a platform for young people to interact with police leadership on security, public trust, crime prevention, responsible citizenship and police-youth partnerships.

The command particularly identified political thuggery and the misuse of digital platforms as threats capable of undermining peace during the electoral process.

The police cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be recruited for political violence, electoral offences and other criminal activities, while also warning against the use of social media to spread hate speech, fake news and inflammatory content.

The command urged young people to participate actively in politics but to do so peacefully and within the limits of the law.

The warning comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the police stressing the need for young people to avoid actions that could threaten lives, property and democratic processes.

During the interactive session, participants raised concerns about police-youth relations and security during elections.

Senior police officers responded by explaining citizens’ rights, reporting procedures and the command’s commitment to neutrality and professionalism in dealing with all political actors and citizens.

The dialogue ended with a two-point resolution.

The police pledged to sustain engagement with young people, enforce the law without bias and protect the rights of citizens, while the youths committed to rejecting thuggery, verifying information before sharing it online and promoting peace in their communities.

The three-day International Youth Day commemoration began on August 20 with a stakeholders’ engagement and continued on August 21 with a peace walkathon through major streets of Katsina metropolis.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to a youth-friendly and accountable policing approach and urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command Control Room lines.