Kwara Police Launch Campaign Against Political, Digital Thuggery on International Youth Day

Kwara State Police Command has launched a campaign against political and digital thuggery as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day.

The campaign, initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was unveiled at the Police Officers’ Mess in GRA, Ilorin, under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, urged young Nigerians to resist attempts by politicians and other individuals to use them for violence, criminal activities and other forms of social disorder.

Adekimi said youths have the capacity, knowledge and influence to shape the future of their communities, stressing that such potential should be channelled towards productive and positive engagements.

He also encouraged young people to use social media responsibly and regard the police as partners in efforts to build safer communities.

The message was further reinforced by DCP Friday Idachaba, who delivered a keynote lecture titled “My Future is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”

He warned youths against being lured by short-term incentives into activities that could have serious and lasting consequences for their lives.

The campaign was formally launched by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Alhaji Usman Atolagbe Jos, who represented the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

The event attracted traditional and community leaders, police officers, members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), community policing stakeholders, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NANS, private-sector representatives and various youth organisations.

A Police-Youth Dialogue also formed part of the programme, providing young participants with an opportunity to discuss emerging security challenges, responsible social media use and ways youths can contribute to community safety.

The Police Command said sustainable security requires more than enforcement, noting that prevention, dialogue, trust and cooperation with the public, especially young people, remain critical.

The campaign ended with a message to Nigerian youths: “My Future is Greater Than Political & Digital Thuggery — Think. Engage. Build. Don’t Be Used.