LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has intensified its push against youth involvement in political violence with the launch of the _National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery_. Marked to commemorate 2026 International Youth Day under the theme _“Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,”_ the event drew NYSC members, NANS, youth groups, NURTW, and representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, NSCDC and NDLEA.
Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, said the campaign is timely as Nigeria heads into another election cycle when young people are often recruited as political foot soldiers. He thanked IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu for backing the national rollout and stressed that effective crime prevention must go beyond arrests to include engagement and education. CP Tijani cautioned youths against cyberbullying, misinformation and online intimidation, noting that digital actions can quickly spill into real-world conflict. He urged them to use proper complaint channels and avoid being used to destabilize communities.
The program featured presentations from POCACOV, the Complaints Response Unit and the Gender Unit on responsibility, safety and crime prevention. POCACOV Coordinator, SP Olivia Ugochukwu, said youth crime affects families, schools and the economy, and called for collective support from parents and communities. A panel discussion also explored how young Nigerians are lured into political violence, cultism and digital misconduct, and what government, families and security agencies must do to protect them.
