The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, has urged youths to reject attempts by politicians to exploit them for violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tijani said the future of young people was too important to be sacrificed for the political ambitions of others.
The commissioner made the call on Thursday in Ikeja during the inauguration of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery and Police-Youth Dialogue.
He said the theme of the 2026 International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Same Aspirations,” was particularly relevant to Nigeria, noting that young people across the country shared common aspirations for peace, security, education and economic opportunities.
According to him, youths have the right to support political parties and candidates of their choice and express their opinions, but such rights must be exercised responsibly.
“Political participation must never become political violence; reject political and digital thuggery ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Tijani said.
He warned youths against accepting money to attack political opponents, spread false information, vandalise property, disrupt public peace or interfere with electoral processes.
The CP also described digital thuggery as the use of social media to threaten, harass, intimidate, spread falsehoods, incite violence and manipulate people for political purposes.
He urged young people to “think before you post, verify before you share and pause before you react.”
Tijani said social media remained a powerful tool that youths should use to build businesses, communities and knowledge rather than promote hatred and violence.
According to him, effective policing involves prevention, education, engagement and partnership, adding that youths were not merely beneficiaries of security but critical partners in creating and sustaining a peaceful society.
Tijani said the Police-Youth Dialogue should not be a one-off event but should provide a platform for young people to raise concerns, ask questions and make constructive suggestions.
He assured residents that the command would provide a safe environment for lawful political activities, but warned that it would act professionally and decisively against anyone involved in violence, intimidation or other criminal activities.
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The commissioner also urged parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, educators and community leaders to guide young people and help them resist criminal exploitation.
He called on the media to verify information before publication and to avoid sensational reports that could inflame political tensions.
“Your future is too important to be sacrificed for somebody else’s political ambition. Do not allow anybody to convince you that your destiny is to fight. Your destiny is to build,” Tijani said.
He urged youths to reject political and digital thuggery, violence, and intimidation, and to embrace dialogue, responsibility, and peace for a safer Lagos and Nigeria.
