Reject thuggery, Kogi CP urges youths

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​‌‍​‌‍⁠⁠‌‌‍⁠⁠⁠‍⁠Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, has urged youths to reject political violence, digital thuggery, misinformation and criminality.

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Kankarofi made the call on Saturday while delivering his welcome address at the command’s commemoration of International Youth Day 2026.

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The event was held under the theme, ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,’ with ‘My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery’ as campaign theme.

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He said the theme highlighted young people’s shared aspirations, regardless of their backgrounds, including peace, security, opportunities, dignity and a better future.

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The commissioner described youths as critical partners in building a safer society, saying their energy, creativity and digital influence could promote peace.

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He, however, warned that these qualities could also be exploited to create division and violence if irresponsibly deployed.

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Kankarofi said the command’s Youth Campaign Walk and Police-Youth Dialogue were designed to strengthen trust and improve communication.

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He added that the initiatives would provide platforms for youths and police to jointly identify practical solutions to security challenges.

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The commissioner cautioned youths against irresponsible social media use, urging them to verify information before sharing and avoid inciting violence and hatred.

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He stressed that actions taken online could have serious consequences in the real world, urging youths to exercise caution.

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Ahead of future electoral activities, Kankarofi urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.

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“No political ambition is worth sacrificing your lives, freedom or future,” he said.

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The commissioner assured youths that the command would maintain open communication channels with youth organisations and other relevant bodies.

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He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for supporting initiatives promoting meaningful engagement between the Nigeria Police Force and young people.

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Kankarofi said Disu’s emphasis on community-oriented policing, youth engagement and proactive crime prevention reinforced the importance of partnership and dialogue.

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He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to a policing system where young people were heard, valued and actively involved in creating safer communities.

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The commissioner urged participants to make the dialogue meaningful and solution-oriented by choosing peace, rejecting violence and working collectively towards a better future.

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