LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command marked International Youth Day with a peace walk through Ikeja to campaign against cultism, drug abuse, thuggery and election violence. Led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, the walk themed _“Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”_ moved from the Command Headquarters through Ikeja and adjoining communities with officers, NYSC members and representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
Along the route, participants engaged residents and young people on the dangers of social vices including cultism, drug abuse, political thuggery, election violence and cyberbullying. CP Tijani urged youths to build their future with discipline, hard work and respect for the law, and warned against being recruited by political actors for violence. “The immediate gains of such involvement could cost you your education, freedom, career and even your life,” he said. He also acknowledged IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu for directing commands to deepen youth engagement, noting that effective policing must address the social conditions that drive crime.
The campaign further stressed responsible digital behaviour and the impact of online bullying. Lagos Coordinator of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, SP Olivia Ugochukwu, told young people to make constructive use of their formative years and resist pressures that lead to crime. She said small choices have lasting consequences, in line with POCACOV’s goal of preventing crime by engaging communities early before harmful behaviour escalates.
