Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police, has urged Nigerian youths to reject attempts by political actors to recruit them into electoral violence, political thuggery and the emerging practice of digital harassment as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the warning while speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue, organised to commemorate International Youth Day 2026, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The IGP said Nigerian youths must recognise that political violence often carries consequences that extend far beyond election campaigns, warning that young people recruited to fight political battles are usually the ones left to bear the lasting consequences.
He noted that while politicians contest elections and may eventually reconcile after political disputes, youths who become involved in violence could lose their lives, suffer permanent injuries or face criminal prosecution.
“Politicians contest elections, but you live with the consequences of those elections,” Disu said.
