The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject political violence, criminality and digital manipulation, calling on them to lead with peace, innovation and responsible citizenship. Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue held by the Nigeria Police Force to mark International Youth Day 2026 under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” and campaign “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” Disu said the forthcoming elections present an opportunity for youths to demonstrate maturity rather than be used for violence.
The IGP warned that while politicians reconcile after elections, young victims of electoral violence bear lifelong consequences. “No election is worth your life. No politician is worth your future. No political ambition is worth destroying Nigeria,” he said, appealing to political leaders across parties to stop recruiting, arming or inciting youths. He also raised concern over the spread of misinformation, hate speech, deepfakes and cyberbullying, charging young people to practice responsible digital citizenship: “THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK. VERIFY BEFORE YOU SHARE. PAUSE BEFORE YOU POST.”
Disu said the Police is seeking a constructive partnership with youths on community safety, violence prevention, cybercrime and democratic participation. He encouraged them to channel their energy into entrepreneurship, technology, community mobilization and policy contributions. “You have a choice. You can choose to be used, or you can choose to lead,” he stated. Concluding, the IGP urged youths to be ambassadors of peace in their communities: “My dear young Nigerians, your future is greater than today. Protect it. Build it. Own it. And use it to build a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.”
