2027: IGP Disu Warns Nigerian Youths Against Political Thuggery, Digital Violence
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has charged Nigerian youths to reject political violence, misinformation and digital thuggery ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to use their influence to promote peace, responsible citizenship and national development.
The charge formed the central message of Disu’s closing address at the International Youth Day 2026 National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and the campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
Disu said the three-day initiative had demonstrated that youth engagement must move beyond speeches to concrete actions that promote understanding, responsibility and peaceful participation in national affairs.
According to him, Nigerian youths may come from different backgrounds, speak different languages and hold divergent political views, but share common aspirations for peace, security, opportunity and dignity.
He particularly warned young Nigerians against allowing politicians to manipulate them into violence as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
“As we move towards the 2027 General Elections, we must ensure that Nigerian youths are never used as instruments of political violence. Do not allow anyone to use your today to destroy your tomorrow,” the IGP said.
Disu also urged youths to embrace the Nigeria Police Force’s national campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” describing it as an effort to build greater awareness among young Nigerians about the consequences of political violence and irresponsible use of digital platforms.
‘Use Recognition to Open Doors for Others’
The IGP said the initiative was also designed to challenge the negative perception often associated with young people by recognising youths who have distinguished themselves through leadership, innovation and service.
He congratulated recipients of the Youth Honours and Awards introduced during the programme, stressing that recognition comes with responsibility.
“Remember that recognition is a responsibility. Continue to lead, innovate, and serve, and use your success to open doors for others,” Disu told the awardees.
Police Names Youth Ambassadors
The Police chief also formally recognised Ann Nwawhodoh and Olugbenga “GB” Agboola as Youth Ambassadors who would serve as a bridge between the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian youths.
He tasked the ambassadors with listening to young people, understanding their realities and helping to build a relationship in which the Police are seen not only as an institution that responds to crimes but also as a partner in prevention and protection.
Disu emphasised that the partnership must be reciprocal, with the Police listening to youths while young Nigerians cooperate with security agencies to build safer communities.
“Security is not the responsibility of the Police alone. It is a shared responsibility,” he said.
IGP Unveils Abuja Youth Declaration
The IGP described the Abuja Youth Declaration on Peace, Responsible Citizenship and Democratic Participation as one of the most important outcomes of the three-day initiative.
He warned against allowing the declaration to become another document that would be forgotten after the event, challenging participants to make it a living commitment to peace, dialogue, truth and nation-building.
“Own this Declaration. Take it to your schools, your communities, your organisations and your digital spaces. And live by it,” Disu charged the youths.
The IGP further told the participants that the conference had not provided all the answers to Nigeria’s security challenges but had reminded them that they were themselves part of the solution.
He urged them to choose between being manipulated into destroying communities and becoming a generation that builds them, stressing that technology could either be used to spread hatred or deployed for education, innovation and positive connections.
Police to Take Initiative Beyond Abuja
Disu assured that the Nigeria Police Force would sustain the engagement beyond the Abuja event by taking the initiative to schools, tertiary institutions, National Youth Service formations and youth organisations across the country.
He said the Force would continue to promote preventive policing, responsible digital citizenship, peaceful democratic participation and stronger police-youth partnerships.
“This is not the end. It is the beginning. The Nigeria Police Force will take this conversation beyond Abuja, into schools, tertiary institutions, NYS formations and youth organisations across the country,” Disu said.
The IGP appreciated development and international partners, civil society organisations, government institutions, private-sector sponsors, facilitators, speakers, volunteers and members of the organising committee for supporting the initiative.
He also commended police officers and personnel involved in organising the programme and thanked the young participants for their openness and active participation.
Disu, in his concluding charge, urged Nigerian youths to carry the message of peace and responsible citizenship into their communities, schools, homes and digital spaces.
“My future is greater than political and digital thuggery. Let us choose peace, responsibility and Nigeria,” the IGP declared as he formally closed the International Youth Day 2026 National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative.
