By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned Nigerian youths against allowing politicians to use them as instruments of violence during the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja during the Nigeria Police Force’s celebration of International Youth Day, where he urged young Nigerians to protect their lives and future as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
The IGP said political contests and campaigns would eventually end, with politicians likely to reconcile after elections, while young people who become victims of electoral violence could lose their lives permanently.
He urged youths to avoid being recruited or mobilised for violent activities, stressing that the police would protect citizens and facilitate peaceful political campaigns but would not tolerate violence.
According to him, young Nigerians have a constitutional right to participate in politics, support political parties, express their opinions and campaign for candidates of their choice.
Disu assured Nigerians that the police would work to provide a secure environment for political activities, including protecting candidates, campaign venues and public spaces in accordance with the law.
He also advised youths to exercise caution on social media, urging them to verify information before sharing messages or making allegations online.
The IGP noted that young people’s digital footprints were important, warning them to consider the consequences of their online activities and remember that real people could be affected by what they post or share.
He urged Nigerian youths to “think, and do what is right,” stressing that their lives, future and voices were more valuable than participation in activities capable of cutting their lives short.
