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Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu has called on Nigerian youths to reject political violence, criminal manipulation and digital thuggery, warning that no political ambition is worth sacrificing their future.
The police chief made the appeal on Thursday while declaring open the three-day National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue in Abuja, organised under the National Youth Security and Peacebuilding Initiative to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.
Speaking at the opening session, Disu urged young Nigerians to embrace peace, leadership, innovation and responsible citizenship instead of violence, hate speech, misinformation and other destructive activities.
He stressed that youths have a critical role to play in promoting democratic stability and national development, noting that the dialogue was designed to provide a platform for them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
The programme, which runs from August 20 to 22, is themed "Different Contents, Common Aspiration" and focuses on youth leadership, national security, digital responsibility, civic participation, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, innovation and mental health.
The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to protecting democratic participation, securing communities and working closely with young people and other stakeholders to build a safer and more peaceful society.
The event attracted government officials, development partners, youth leaders, members of the Police Officers' Wives Association, the Police Community Relations Committee, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The Nigeria Police Force expressed optimism that the three-day engagement would produce practical recommendations to strengthen youth participation, community safety and national peace.
