Police Move Against Political, Digital Thuggery In Bauchi

The commissioner of police, Bauchi State Command, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has urged youths to reject political violence and cybercrime.
He warned them against allowing politicians and criminal elements to use them as tools for destructive activities.

Aliyu, who described youths as architects of their own destiny, also cautioned them against being lured by quick financial gains from cybercrime, saying such pursuits could destroy their future.

The CP spoke yesterday at the commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day under the auspices of the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative, held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bauchi.

Speaking on the theme, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” Aliyu said the initiative was a strategic commitment by the Nigeria Police Force to engage young people in meaningful discussions on leadership, security and national development.

He said the campaign was aimed at reclaiming the future of Nigerian youths from political and digital thuggery, describing the theme as a clarion call against forces seeking to exploit, manipulate and destroy the potential of young people.

“Our youth are not the problem; they are the solution. They are the innovators, the entrepreneurs, the leaders and the custodians of tomorrow.

“However, we cannot afford to be naïve. There are sinister elements, both in the physical and digital worlds, that prey on the vulnerabilities of our young people, using them as tools for violence, fraud and societal disruption,” he said.

According to him, the initiative is designed to educate youths on the dangers of political and digital thuggery, empower them to recognise their potential and channel it towards productive activities.

He added that the campaign would also engage youths as active partners in community safety and national development while protecting them from exploitation by criminal elements and selfish political actors.

Following the ceremonial launch, the CP handed over initiative to the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) for sustained implementation.

He described POCACOV as the flagship community policing initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, saying it would serve as the vehicle for taking the campaign to the grassroots.

“This handover underscores our commitment to ensuring that this initiative is not a one-off event, but a continuous, structured and impactful engagement with our youth across Bauchi State and beyond,” he said.

The CP stressed that the security of the state and the future of the youths were shared responsibilities, noting that the police could not achieve the objectives alone.

He called for the support of parents, educators, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and, most importantly, the youths themselves.

Aliyu also urged royal fathers, the Chief Security Adviser and community leaders to play their roles in shaping the values and character of young people, assuring them of the police command’s commitment to the campaign.

He charged police officers and men to approach their duties with professionalism, empathy and a strong commitment to protecting the rights and aspirations of youths. “We must build trust, not fear,” he said.

The CP commended the Inspector-General of Police for what he described as visionary leadership and unwavering support for initiatives that prioritise youth engagement and community policing.

He also appreciated the National Youth Council of Nigeria, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders for their partnership in making the event possible.

“To the youth of Bauchi State: the future is yours. Do not surrender it to the forces of darkness. Embrace education, embrace integrity, embrace innovation and embrace peace,” he said.

The event also featured a Police-Youth Dialogue, with discussions focusing on responsible citizenship, police-youth partnerships, security and crime prevention, public trust, and the challenges posed by political and digital thuggery.

Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in the command, ACP Muhammad M. Ahmadu, identified desperation, peer pressure, lack of mentorship and low self-esteem as factors that make youths vulnerable to exploitation.

He warned that political actors often recruit vulnerable youths with small financial incentives and subsequently abandon them after elections.

“Identify a vulnerable youth, offer a small financial incentive, and demand destructive actions in return. Once the election is over, you are discarded while sponsors walk free,” he said.

Ahmadu also linked political thuggery to drug abuse, warning that illicit drugs could be used to manipulate young people into violent activities.

He said drugs “Destroy your mind, your body and your future,” urging youths to avoid substance abuse and other criminal activities.

The police officer further outlined a “Digital Responsibility Pathway” for youths, urging them to protect their digital identities, verify information before sharing it, reject misinformation and report suspicious online activities.

“Use social media to promote education, entrepreneurship and positive values,” he advised.

He warned that cybercrime should not be mistaken for intelligence or a legitimate means of making money.

“Cybercrime is not smart. It is evil. Your digital footprint is permanent, and a criminal record follows you for life,” he said.

Ahmadu said the campaign would focus on educating youths on the dangers of political and digital thuggery, empowering them to use their talents productively, engaging them in community safety and protecting them from criminal elements and selfish political actors.

“Be the young person who says no to money for violence and fraud. Be the young person who says yes to education, skills and legitimate enterprise,” he added.