IGP Disu Urges Nigerian Youths to Reject Political Violence
Susan Abayomi
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject political violence, digital thuggery and manipulation as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Disu made the call at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja as part of activities marking International Youth Day 2026.
The dialogue, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” featured a youth-focused campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” aimed at encouraging young Nigerians to embrace peaceful participation, responsible digital citizenship and constructive leadership.
The police chief warned youths against allowing political actors to exploit their energy and influence for activities that could jeopardise their future.
He urged young Nigerians to resist recruitment into political violence, avoid being drawn into misinformation and digital intimidation, and participate actively and lawfully in the democratic process.
Disu stressed that young people would ultimately bear the consequences of political violence long after election campaigns had ended, noting that political actors could reconcile after political contests while the consequences of violence could remain with those involved.
“Politicians contest elections, but you live with the consequences of those elections,” the IGP said.
He also appealed to political leaders across the country to stop recruiting young Nigerians to fight political battles, urging them not to arm, finance or incite youths against their fellow citizens.
According to him, Nigeria cannot achieve a secure and prosperous future by sacrificing the generation expected to inherit the country.
The IGP further emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force recognises citizens’ constitutional rights to participate in political activities, support political parties and campaign for candidates of their choice, provided such activities remain peaceful and lawful.
While assuring Nigerians that the police would work to provide a secure environment for political activities and elections, Disu made it clear that the Force would not tolerate violence, voter intimidation, destruction of property or other criminal conduct carried out under the guise of political participation.
Beyond the immediate electoral concerns, the police chief called for a broader partnership between the Force and young Nigerians. He said youths should be engaged as partners in building safer communities, preventing violence, combating cybercrime, promoting responsible use of digital platforms and strengthening peaceful democratic participation.
Disu also encouraged young Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online and to recognise the lasting consequences of irresponsible digital activities.
The dialogue comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, placing renewed emphasis on the role of young Nigerians in maintaining peace and strengthening democratic processes.
With youths forming a significant part of Nigeria’s population and playing an increasingly influential role both online and offline, stakeholders say their participation will be crucial to the success of efforts aimed at preventing electoral violence and promoting peaceful political engagement.
For the Nigeria Police Force, the campaign represents an effort to move beyond simply warning young people about the dangers of political violence and instead encourage them to take ownership of their future through responsible citizenship and leadership.
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, Disu’s message remains clear: Young Nigerians should not become instruments in political conflicts but should use their voices, talents and civic participation to contribute positively to the country they will ultimately inherit.
