ABUJA — The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu has charged Nigerian youths to make responsible choices, reject violence and actively participate in building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organized 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 outlined five responsibilities for young Nigerians as the country approaches the 2027 elections: refuse recruitment for violence, reject carrying weapons for political ambition, resist misinformation and digital intimidation, participate peacefully and lawfully in democracy, and protect their future. “Your future is not yours alone. Your future is Nigeria’s future,” he said.
The IGP warned that political actors may reconcile after elections, but youths who become victims of electoral violence often face irreversible consequences. He urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be exploited as instruments of political violence and instead channel their energy into education, entrepreneurship, technology, innovation and service. “Did you destroy, or did you build? Did you fight for politicians, or did you fight for your future? Did you spread hatred, or did you spread hope?” Disu asked, stating that he wants this generation to be remembered as one that chose peace over violence, innovation over destruction, and democracy over manipulation.
The Police chief stressed that securing Nigeria is a shared responsibility and called on youths to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in preventing violence, combating cybercrime, promoting responsible digital citizenship and protecting vulnerable persons. He urged young Nigerians to take ownership of their communities and choices. “Protect it. Build it. Own it,” IGP Disu concluded, calling on every young Nigerian to use their influence to choose peace, responsibility, leadership, innovation and service as the nation prepares for the next electoral cycle.
