ABUJA — The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu has challenged Nigerian youths to reject political violence, criminality and digital manipulation, urging them to become a generation defined by peace, innovation and responsible citizenship. Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue 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 the approaching electoral season is an opportunity for youths to demonstrate lawful democratic participation. “I want history to remember this generation as the generation that refused to be used,” he declared. “No election is worth your life. No politician is worth your future. No political ambition is worth destroying Nigeria.”
IGP Disu also issued a direct appeal to political leaders across all parties to desist from recruiting, arming, financing or inciting young Nigerians for political violence. “Nigeria cannot build a secure and prosperous future by destroying the generation expected to inherit it,” he said, noting that while politicians may reconcile after elections, young victims of violence are often left with permanent consequences. The IGP further warned that political conflict has moved into the digital space, with misinformation, deepfakes, hate speech and coordinated online attacks capable of causing real-world harm. He urged youths to practice responsible digital citizenship: “THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK. VERIFY BEFORE YOU SHARE. PAUSE BEFORE YOU POST.”
The Police chief said the Force wants to partner with youths to build safer communities, prevent violence, combat cybercrime and strengthen peaceful democratic participation. He encouraged young Nigerians to use their influence to create businesses, develop technology, mobilize communities and shape public policy. “You have a choice. You can choose to be used, or you can choose to lead,” Disu stated. He charged youths to return to their communities as ambassadors of peace and positive change, concluding: “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.”
