Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject political violence, criminal manipulation and digital thuggery, warning that no political ambition is worth sacrificing their future.
The IGP gave the warning on Thursday, August 20, 2026, while declaring open the three-day National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue in Abuja, organised to commemorate International Youth Day 2026 under the National Youth Security and Peacebuilding Initiative.
The programme, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspiration,” runs from August 20 to 22 and is designed to promote youth inclusion, peacebuilding, innovation and responsible citizenship.
Day One, focused on Youth Leadership, Security and National Development, featured discussions on national security, digital responsibility, civic participation, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, innovation and mental health.
Disu charged young Nigerians to choose peace, responsible leadership and innovation over violence, hate, misinformation and other destructive conduct.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting democratic participation, securing communities and strengthening partnerships with young people and other stakeholders to build a safer and more peaceful society.
The IGP said the dialogue provides an important platform for youths to contribute meaningfully to national development and democratic stability.
The event attracted government representatives, development partners, youth leaders, the Police Officers’ Wives Association, Police Community Relations Committee, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The Nigeria Police Force expressed confidence that the three-day engagement would produce practical outcomes capable of strengthening youth participation, community safety and national peace.
