Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, has sounded a strong alarm, calling on the state's youth to steer clear of political violence, digital thuggery, the spread of misinformation, and general criminality. He made this urgent appeal on Saturday during his welcome address at the command’s event marking International Youth Day 2026.
The day’s observance was built around the theme, ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,’ with a specific campaign focus on ‘My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.’ This theme, according to Kankarofi, underscores the shared dreams of young people everywhere, regardless of their background – dreams that include peace, security, opportunities, dignity, and a brighter future.
Kankarofi highlighted that young people are absolutely vital partners in building a secure society. He pointed out that their energy, creativity, and powerful influence in the digital space can be harnessed to promote peace and unity. However, he issued a stern warning: these same qualities, if not handled responsibly, could easily be twisted and used to sow discord and incite violence.
To foster better relationships and open lines of communication, the command organised a Youth Campaign Walk and a Police-Youth Dialogue. The commissioner explained that these events are designed to build trust between the police and the youth, creating spaces where they can collaboratively identify practical ways to tackle security challenges head-on.
He specifically cautioned the youth about the dangers of misusing social media. Kankarofi urged them to always verify information before hitting that share button and to absolutely avoid spreading messages that could fuel hatred or violence. He drove home the point that whatever actions are taken online can, and often do, have serious repercussions in the real world, advising them to exercise extreme caution.
Looking ahead to upcoming electoral activities, the Commissioner implored young Nigerians not to be manipulated into becoming tools for political violence. "No political ambition is worth sacrificing your lives, freedom or future," he declared, emphasizing the immense value of their future over fleeting political gains.
CP Kankarofi assured the young attendees that the Kogi State Police Command is committed to keeping communication channels wide open with youth organisations and other relevant bodies. He also took a moment to commend the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his unwavering support of initiatives that promote meaningful engagement between the Nigeria Police Force and young people across the country.
According to Kankarofi, the Inspector-General's focus on community-oriented policing, actively involving youth, and prioritising proactive crime prevention strategies clearly reinforces how crucial partnerships and open dialogue are. He reaffirmed the command's dedication to a policing approach where the voices of young people are not only heard but genuinely valued, and where they are actively included in the collective effort to create safer communities for everyone.
Finally, he urged all participants to ensure the dialogue was productive and solution-focused, by making a conscious choice for peace, rejecting violence, and committing to working together for a better tomorrow.