The Kogi State Police Command has urged young people in the state to reject political violence, digital thuggery, misinformation and other forms of criminality, warning that their future is more valuable than any political ambition.
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, gave the warning on Saturday in Lokoja during the Command’s commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day.
The event, held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” featured the campaign theme, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
CP Kankarofi urged youths of voting age to participate responsibly in electoral and civic activities while resisting attempts by politicians or other individuals to recruit them for violence.
He stressed that no political ambition was worth the life, freedom or future of any young person.
The police commissioner also cautioned youths against the irresponsible use of social media, particularly the spread of false information, hate speech and content capable of inciting violence.
“Do not allow yourselves to become instruments for spreading false information, inciting violence or promoting hatred. Verify information before sharing it, disagree without violence, and remember that what is posted online can have real consequences offline,” he said.
CP Kankarofi said the International Youth Day theme recognised the diverse backgrounds and challenges facing young people while highlighting their shared aspirations for peace, security, opportunities, dignity and a better future.
He described youths as critical partners in building a safer society, noting that their energy, creativity and influence in the digital space could either promote peace and development or be exploited to fuel division and violence.
According to him, the Police Youth Campaign Walk and Moderated Police-Youth Dialogue organised as part of the celebration were designed to provide a platform for meaningful engagement between the police and young people.
He said the activities were aimed at building trust, addressing concerns and developing practical strategies for crime prevention and peacebuilding.
“As a Command, we therefore believe that policing cannot be effective without the active participation and trust of young people,” Kankarofi said.
The commissioner assured youths and other stakeholders that the Command would maintain open channels of communication with young people and strengthen collaboration with youth organizations, student bodies, religious groups, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to improve security across the state.
CP Kankarofi also commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support for initiatives to strengthen engagement between the Nigeria Police Force and young Nigerians.
He said the IGP’s emphasis on community-oriented policing, youth engagement and proactive crime prevention reinforced the principle that effective policing goes beyond enforcement to include partnership, trust and dialogue.
The commissioner urged participants to make the youth dialogue meaningful, honest and solution-oriented, calling on young people to collectively choose peace, reject violence and contribute to building a secure future.
He further urged youths to channel their talents, creativity and digital influence towards peace, development and responsible citizenship rather than allowing themselves to be manipulated for political or criminal purposes.
CP Kankarofi expressed appreciation to youth and student representatives, religious leaders, civil society organizations, media practitioners and other stakeholders who participated in the commemoration, describing their involvement as vital to promoting peace and responsible citizenship.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting the broader vision of the Nigeria Police Force to build a policing system where young people are not only protected but also “seen, heard and actively involved” in creating safer communities.
