The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned Nigerians against allowing young people to be recruited for political violence, urging them to reject thuggery, misinformation and other activities capable of undermining the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.
The programme, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” brought together stakeholders from government, security agencies, civil society, the private sector and youth organisations to discuss youth leadership, peace, security and responsible participation in national affairs.
Disu said the dialogue was particularly timely as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, stressing that despite differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, geography and political affiliation, Nigerians share common aspirations for security, education, decent employment, dignity, justice and a better future.
He warned that such aspirations must not be sacrificed for political interests, criminality or violence.
“Politicians contest elections, but you live with the consequences of these elections. When the campaign is over, political actors may reconcile, and politicians always do. But, in general, Nigerians lose their lives to electoral violence,” Disu said.
The IGP assured citizens that the Nigeria Police Force would protect their constitutional rights to participate in political activities, support political parties, express their views and campaign for candidates of their choice.
He said the Force would provide security for political campaigns, candidates, venues and public spaces while ensuring that democratic activities were conducted within the law.
Disu, however, warned that the police would not tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of Nigerians for violent political activities.
“We will not tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence,” he said.
He also cautioned young Nigerians against the irresponsible use of social media, urging them to verify information before sharing it and to consider the consequences of their digital activities.
According to him, citizens must understand that their online activities form part of their digital footprints and could have lasting consequences.
The police chief further described security as a collective responsibility requiring cooperation among the police, government institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens.
He urged young Nigerians to partner with the police in preventing violence, combating cybercrime and promoting responsible citizenship.
Drawing from experiences from his university days and policing career, Disu cautioned against reckless decisions and unnecessary risks, stressing that youthful actions could have lifelong consequences.
He also appealed to parents to take greater responsibility for raising disciplined and responsible children, noting that the foundation of responsible citizenship begins at home.
Disu challenged Nigerians to remain peaceful as the 2027 elections approach, urging them not to carry weapons for political actors or become instruments of misinformation and digital intimidation.
“Do not allow yourself to be put into violence. Do not carry weapons for other persons’ assignments. Do not become an instrument of misinformation or digital intimidation. Participate actively, peacefully and lawfully in our democracy,” he said.
Representing the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, at the event, the Director of Education and Youth Development in the ministry, Mr Despan Kwardem, said the Federal Government recognised youth development as a critical component of national security.
Olawande conveyed the minister’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that would connect youth empowerment with peace, security, civic responsibility, skills development, entrepreneurship and leadership.
According to him, Nigeria’s large youthful population represents a significant human-capital resource whose potential must be harnessed for national development.
He said the theme of the 2026 International Youth Day was particularly relevant because young Nigerians, despite differences in their backgrounds and circumstances, share aspirations for dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation and decent work.
The minister, through Kwardem, said investment in young people remained essential to building a stable and prosperous Nigeria, adding that empowering them was more sustainable than responding to insecurity after it had taken root.
He said the ministry was ready to work with the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders to promote programmes that would equip young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities required to contribute positively to society.
“The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is ready to work with the Nigeria Police Force and all relevant stakeholders to lead this initiative as a practical demonstration that a secure Nigeria must be built with its young people, not merely for them,” the minister said.
The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day and was aimed at strengthening police-youth partnerships while promoting peaceful participation, responsible digital citizenship and national development.
