IGP warns politicians against recruiting youths for violence

INSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police, Tunji Disu, has cautioned politicians against using Nigerian youths as tools for political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Disu issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force to mark the 2026 International Youth Day.

The IGP said the police would take action against electoral violence, including the recruitment and arming of youths, voter intimidation, possession of weapons for electoral purposes and destruction of property.

He urged political leaders across the divide not to finance, arm or incite young people against their opponents, warning that those who engage in criminal acts would not be shielded from prosecution.

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According to him, Nigeria cannot achieve a secure and prosperous future by exposing the generation expected to inherit the country to political violence.

Disu also drew attention to the growing role of digital platforms in political conflicts, saying violence could now be triggered through smartphones and social media.

He identified misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, impersonation, deepfakes, online intimidation and coordinated digital attacks as emerging threats capable of damaging reputations, inflaming communities and provoking physical violence.

The police chief therefore urged young Nigerians to verify information before sharing or acting on it, stressing that responsible use of social media was part of their civic responsibility.

His comments come amid concerns over killings and attacks linked to the recent Osun State governorship election.