A Call for Youth Restraint in Politics

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a stern warning to Nigerian youths against allowing themselves to be recruited for political violence, digital thuggery, and other criminal activities. Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue on Thursday, the IGP stressed the importance of youth protecting their future as the country nears the 2027 general elections.

The event was organized by the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate International Youth Day 2026, under the theme "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," and the campaign slogan, "My Future Is Greater Than Political And Digital Thuggery." Disu urged young Nigerians to reject attempts by political actors to use them for interests that could lead to death, imprisonment, or permanent injury.

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.

— Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force

Police Mandate and Electoral Integrity

IGP Disu assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of citizens to participate in political activities. He noted that the Force would facilitate peaceful campaigns, secure candidates and venues, and safeguard public spaces to preserve the integrity of the electoral environment, provided activities remain lawful.

However, the IGP clarified that the police would maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the use of youths for violence during the electoral process. He identified specific prohibited acts, including the recruitment of youths for violence, the possession of weapons for electoral purposes, voter intimidation, and the destruction of property under the guise of political participation.

We will not protect violence.

— Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force

The Rising Threat of Digital Thuggery

Turning to modern security challenges, Disu highlighted that political violence has expanded from physical spaces to digital platforms. He identified misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, and deepfakes as emerging threats that can inflame communities and provoke real-world violence. He appealed to political leaders to stop inciting or financing youths against fellow citizens on any platform.

To combat these digital threats, the IGP urged young Nigerians to adopt responsible digital citizenship. He stressed that a digital footprint is an extension of one's citizenship and should be managed with caution to avoid damaging reputations or eroding 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.

— Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force

Investing in Peace and National Development

The IGP challenged the youth to redirect their energy toward education, entrepreneurship, technology, and service rather than destructive purposes. He emphasized that young Nigerians possess the capacity to shape public policy and challenge injustice through positive influence and innovation.

Calling for a stronger partnership between the police and the youth, Disu stated that the younger generation should be treated as essential partners in preventing violence and combating cybercrime. He concluded by charging the youth to ensure history remembers their generation as one that protected democracy and contributed to a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.

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