The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a strong warning to political leaders across the spectrum to desist from recruiting, arming, financing or inciting Nigerian youths for political violence ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force to mark International Youth Day 2026 under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and the campaign “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” the IGP said young Nigerians must not be turned into instruments for settling political scores. “Do not recruit our young people to fight your political battles. Do not arm them. Do not finance violence. Do not incite them against their fellow citizens,” he stated.
The IGP reaffirmed the Police commitment to protecting lawful political participation, but drew a firm line between democracy and criminality. He said the Force will 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. “The law will take its course against anyone who crosses that line,” Disu warned, stressing that the caution applies to all parties and interests equally. He noted that while politicians may reconcile after elections, young people recruited into violence bear permanent consequences. “Nigeria cannot build a secure and prosperous future by destroying the generation that is expected to inherit that future,” he added.
The IGP also charged Nigerian youths to reject manipulation and participate actively, peacefully and lawfully in democracy. “No election is worth your life. No politician is worth your future. No political ambition is worth destroying Nigeria,” he told them. The Police called on parties, candidates and campaign organizations to engage youths as partners in national development rather than as tools of violence. As the 2027 electoral season approaches, the Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to protecting the democratic space, preventing violence, and enforcing the law without fear or favour.
