IGP Warns Nigerian Youths Against Political, Digital Thuggery

Inspector-General of Police (IGP)Olatunji Disu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject political violence, digital thuggery and other forms of criminality capable of jeopardising their future and the stability of the country.

Disu made the call while addressing participants at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate International Youth Day 2026, with the theme,

“Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and the campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”

The IGP said the dialogue was particularly timely as Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral cycle, stressing that although young Nigerians come from diverse ethnic, religious, geographical and political backgrounds, they share common aspirations for security, quality education, decent livelihoods, justice, dignity and opportunities.

He warned youths against allowing politicians or other interests to exploit them for violent purposes, noting that political actors may reconcile after elections while young people recruited into violence could be left to face death, imprisonment, permanent injuries and the destruction of their future.

“Politicians contest elections, but you live with the consequences of those elections,” Disu said, urging young Nigerians not to fight battles that could ultimately destroy their own lives and prospects.

The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting the constitutional rights of citizens to participate in political activities, support political parties, express their views and campaign peacefully for candidates of their choice.

He assured that the Police would provide security for citizens, candidates, campaign venues and public spaces while working to safeguard the electoral environment.

However, Disu drew a clear line against criminality, warning that the Police would not tolerate the recruitment of youths for political violence, possession or use of weapons for electoral purposes, attacks on opponents, voter intimidation or destruction of property.

He also appealed to political leaders across the country not to arm, finance or incite young Nigerians to commit violence.

“Nigeria cannot build a secure and prosperous future by destroying the generation that is expected to inherit that future,” he cautioned.

Disu also identified the digital space as a new frontier for political violence, warning that misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, impersonation, deepfakes and coordinated online attacks could inflame communities and trigger real-world violence.

He urged young Nigerians to verify information before sharing it and to exercise responsibility in their use of social media.