Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has cautioned youths in the state against political violence, online abuse, misinformation and other forms of criminal activities that are inimical to their future.
Kankarofi made the call on Saturday while addressing participants to the Kogi State Police Command’s commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day, held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” with the campaign theme, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
The Police Commissioner said the campaign was designed to remind young Nigerians that their future was too valuable to be sacrificed for political manipulation, violence, digital abuse, misinformation or criminal activities.
“Despite coming from different backgrounds and facing varying challenges, young people share common aspirations for peace, security, opportunity, dignity and a better future” he stated.
He described youths as important partners in building a safer society, stressing that their energy, creativity and influence, particularly in the digital space, could either promote peace and development or be exploited to create division and violence.
Kankarofi said effective policing could not be achieved without the active participation and trust of young people, noting that the Youth Campaign Walk and the Police–Youth Dialogue organised as part of the celebration were aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation.
He encouraged youths to use social media responsibly and avoid becoming tools for spreading false information, inciting violence or promoting hatred.
The CP urged them to verify information before sharing it and to understand that actions carried out online could have serious consequences in the real world.
“As we approach future electoral activities, I also urge our youths to reject the temptation to serve as instruments of political violence. No political ambition is worth your life, your freedom or your future,” he said.
He advised young people to participate peacefully in elections, exercise their civic rights responsibly and remain committed to peaceful democratic engagement.
Kankarofi further assured that the Kogi State Police Command would continue to maintain open channels of communication with youths and collaborate with youth organisations, student bodies, religious groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen security across the state.
The Commissioner commended youth and student representatives who participated in the event for their commitment to peace and responsible citizenship.
He also praised the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support for initiatives aimed at promoting meaningful engagement between the police and young people.
Kankarofi said the IGP’s emphasis on community-oriented policing, youth engagement and proactive crime prevention had reinforced the need for policing based not only on enforcement, but also on partnership, trust and dialogue.
He assured that the Kogi State Police Command would continue to support efforts to build a policing system where young people are heard and actively involved in creating safer communities.
The CP urged participants to make the youth dialogue meaningful, honest and solution-oriented, while calling on all stakeholders to choose peace, reject violence and work collectively towards building a better future.
