The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has cautioned Nigerian youths against being used for political violence, misinformation and digital intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Disu gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja during the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day celebration.
“As we approach the 2027 electoral cycle, I urge you to remember a very simple, but profound reality that politicians contest elections, but you leave with consequences thereafter,” he said.
The IGP noted that “political actors often reconciled after elections, in spite of fierce campaigns, and might later become allies and guests of one another when political disagreements were resolved amicably over time.”
He said the Nigeria Police Force “recognised and respected the rights of youths to participate in politics, support parties, express opinions and campaign freely for candidates of their choice.”
“Our responsibility is to create a security environment in which these democratic rights can be experienced freely and safely,” Mr Disu stated.
“We will protect citizens, facilitate peaceful campaigns, secure candidates, campaign venues and public spaces within the law. We will protect the integrity of the electoral environment, but will not protect violence, tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence.”
“I therefore appeal to everybody to be cautious as we approach the 2027 electoral process,” the police chief said, urging “collective responsibility in safeguarding peace and democratic values across Nigeria.”
Mr Disu also urged youths to become “drivers of national transformation rather than instruments of destruction through the spread of false information and harmful online content.”
“Every young Nigerian using a smartphone should recognise that digital activities leave permanent records that could influence opportunities and shape future prospects significantly,” he said.
“You know now, the moment you go to the embassies for your visa, they are checking you on social media to see what and what you are doing. So, your footprints are very important, so before you forward a message, verify it and before you publish or circulate, establish the facts,” he advised youths nationwide.