Police warn youths against thuggery, cybercrime in Bauchi

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The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has warned youths against allowing politicians and criminal elements to exploit them for political thuggery and cybercrime.

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Aliyu gave the warning on Thursday at an event organised by the Bauchi State Police Command to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and the campaign slogan, “My Future Is Greater Than Political Thuggery.”

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The event featured a campaign against political and digital thuggery as well as a police-youth dialogue on leadership, security and the future of young people.

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Aliyu said the initiative reflected the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to engaging youths and protecting them from exploitation.

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He said, “We have formally launched a long overdue campaign, a campaign to reclaim the promise of our youth from the clutches of political and digital thuggery.

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“Our youths are not the problem; they are the solution. They are the innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders and custodians of tomorrow.”

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The commissioner said some elements in the physical and digital spaces were exploiting young people’s vulnerabilities by using them as tools for violence and societal disruption.

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According to him, the campaign would educate youths on the dangers of political and digital thuggery, empower them to recognise their potential and encourage them to become active partners in community safety and national development.

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Aliyu said the campaign would be sustained through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices and taken to communities across Bauchi State.

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He said, “The security of our state and the future of our youth is a shared responsibility. The police cannot do it alone. We need the support of parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and, most importantly, the youths themselves.

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“You are the architects of your own destiny. Do not allow anyone to use you as cannon fodder for political violence. Do not allow the allure of big money from cybercrime to destroy your future.”

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Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Muhammad Ahmadu, urged youths to become responsible role models in their communities.

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Ahmadu identified economic hardship, desperation for quick money, peer pressure, the desire to belong, lack of positive role models and low self-esteem as factors that could make young people vulnerable to political and criminal exploitation.

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He warned youths against accepting money from politicians to engage in electoral violence.

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He said, “Once the election is over, or the objective is achieved, you are discarded. Meanwhile, the sponsors walk away.

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“I ask you today, what is your future worth? What is the price of a few thousand naira? Is it worth your life, your future and the respect of a group that does not care if you live or die?”

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Ahmadu also cautioned against drug abuse and cybercrime, including identity theft, hacking and online fraud, saying such activities could have serious legal and long-term consequences.

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He advised youths to protect their digital identities, verify information before sharing it online and report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.

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Ahmadu urged them to pursue education, skills acquisition, legitimate businesses and other productive ventures rather than seeking quick wealth through crime.

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He said, “The choice before you is a future of dignity or a future of crime and regret. Your answer to this choice will determine not just your destiny, but the destiny of our state and nation.”

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He urged youths to embrace self-development, build positive networks and participate in legitimate community activities.

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