The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has warned political leaders against arming, financing or inciting Nigerian youths to perpetrate violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue, organised to mark International Youth Day 2026.
The three-day programme, themed “Different Contents, Common Aspiration,” is being held at the Police Resource Centre in Jabi.
The IGP also urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be recruited for political thuggery, warning that they would bear the consequences of electoral violence long after politicians had resolved their differences.
“Politicians contest elections, but you live with the consequences,” Disu said.
He added: “When the campaign is over, political rivals may reconcile and shake hands, but the young Nigerian who loses his or her life to electoral violence does not return home.”
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to protect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful political participation but would maintain a zero-tolerance stance on illegal possession of weapons, voter intimidation and electoral violence.
IGP warns youths over social media use
The police chief also raised concerns about emerging threats in the digital space, urging youths to be more careful about the information they consume and share online.
He cited a case involving a two-year-old video from a 30th wedding anniversary that was manipulated and circulated online to create disaffection.
Using the occasion to launch a police campaign, “Think Before You Click. Verify Before You Share,” Disu urged young Nigerians to verify information before sharing it on social media.
He warned that online activities could also affect their future, noting that embassies and prospective employers routinely assess applicants’ digital footprints.
The IGP further called on parents to take greater responsibility for the moral upbringing and discipline of their children, rather than leaving such duties entirely to schools and security agencies.
Wike, youth minister back initiative
In his goodwill message, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, represented by Adamu Gwari, commended Disu for creating opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute to national development.
He urged youths to maximise their formative years and use available opportunities to build a better future.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Despan Kwardem, also praised the IGP for recognising youth development as a national security priority.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnerships focused on youth empowerment, peace, security, skills development and leadership.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, represented by Alhaji Ahmed Bello Dogondaji, pledged the ministry’s support for the initiative, stressing that creating economic opportunities for young people would help tackle crime and other forms of insecurity.
President of POWA, Chief Mrs Olufunmilola Disu, represented by Mrs Franca Achinyan, described the celebration as evidence of the importance attached to youth development.
She encouraged participants to use the three-day programme to learn, build connections and develop themselves, while assuring them of POWA’s continued support for youth growth and welfare.
The National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, commended the police for bringing young people and security stakeholders together.
He said dialogue, mutual respect and community partnerships were essential to building trust and sustainable peace.
Afeez urged Nigerian youths to embrace their diversity while pursuing the common goal of a peaceful, secure, prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
The programme continues on Friday and ends on Saturday.
