IGP warns against youth electoral violence

On August 20, 2026, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue in Abuja organized by the Nigeria — Nigeria Police Force to mark International Youth Day 2026, warned politicians against recruiting, arming, financing, or inciting Nigerian youths to perpetrate violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that the police would not tolerate electoral violence, weapon possession, voter intimidation, or destruction of property, and would ensure the law takes its course against violators regardless of political affiliation. Disu also highlighted the growing role of social media in political conflicts, citing misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, impersonation, deepfakes, and coordinated online attacks as emerging threats. He urged young Nigerians to verify information before sharing and to engage positively in entrepreneurship, technology, education, and community development rather than political thuggery. The event also featured goodwill messages from ministers Nyesom Wike, Marwa Mahmoud, and Ayodele Olawande, as well as representatives from the National Association of Nigerian Students and Police Officers Wives Association, all supporting the police's stance and urging youths to embrace peace and responsible citizenship.