The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has challenged Nigerian youths to reject violence, criminality and manipulation, and to embrace leadership, responsibility and innovation. Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organized by the Nigeria Police Force to mark International Youth Day 2026, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” under the campaign “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” Disu said young people have the capacity to shape public discourse, mobilize communities, create jobs, build technology and influence policy.
The IGP cautioned youths against allowing their influence to be hijacked for destructive ends. “You have a choice. You can choose to be used, or you can choose to lead,” he said. He urged them to choose peace over violence, education over criminality, entrepreneurship over dependency, and service over self-interest. According to him, the decisions made today will define the Nigeria they inherit tomorrow. “Did you destroy, or did you build? Did you fight for politicians, or did you fight for your future?” he asked.
Disu said the Police initiative goes beyond warnings to build a partnership with youths in community safety, violence prevention, cybercrime, responsible digital citizenship and democratic participation. He described security as a shared responsibility that requires collaboration between young people, government, civil society and the private sector. “Choose leadership. Choose responsibility. Choose your future,” the IGP concluded, urging Nigerian youths to protect, build and own their future because “your future is Nigeria’s future.”
