Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned politicians against recruiting or funding young Nigerians to engage in political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day.
He said the police would work to ensure a peaceful electoral environment but would not protect anyone involved in violence, voter intimidation, the use of weapons or destruction of property.
“We will not tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence.”
‘Don’t Recruit Youths to Fight Your Battles’
Disu urged politicians across party lines not to arm, finance or incite young people against their opponents.
“Do not recruit our young people to fight your political battles. Do not arm them. Do not finance violence.”
He also warned political actors against encouraging youths to commit crimes with the promise that they would be protected afterwards.
The IGP said Nigeria could not build a secure and prosperous future by destroying the generation expected to inherit the country.
Social Media Could Fuel Violence
Disu also warned about the growing role of social media in political conflicts, noting that violence can now begin without people physically gathering.
He identified misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, impersonation, deepfakes and coordinated online attacks as emerging threats.
According to him, such activities can increase tensions, damage reputations, trigger offline violence and weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
He urged young Nigerians to verify information before sharing or acting on it.
“Before you forward a message, verify it. Before you publish an allegation, establish the facts.”
