2027: Police to arrest sponsors, perpetrators of political violence in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has issued a stern warning to politicians and their sponsors, vowing to identify, investigate, and arrest anyone involved in fueling political violence leading up to the 2027 general elections. The command emphasized that no one would be spared, regardless of their political affiliation.

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As we approach the year of general elections, a three-pronged threat jeopardising our peaceful aspirations faces us, the twin menace of physical political thuggery and digital thuggery.

Commissioner of Police, Ali Fage, speaking through Deputy Commissioner Aminu Gusau, addressed youths during the 2026 International Youth Day commemoration. He cautioned them against being used as instruments of political violence, urging them to refuse any offers of money, illicit substances, or other incentives from political figures. Fage described political thuggery as "structured self-sabotage," highlighting that sponsors often abandon youths to face consequences after elections, while their own children remain safe.

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Political thuggery is not winning, it is structured self-sabotage.

The police also expressed concern over the rise of "digital thuggery," which includes cyber harassment, hate speech, blackmail, and misinformation spread via social media. The command vowed to prevent the misuse of smartphones and social media for national destruction, urging young people to verify information before sharing and to reject manipulation. To combat these issues, the police launched a campaign called “My Future Is Greater Than Politics” aimed at discouraging electoral thuggery and youth exploitation.

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Those who recruit young men and women to resort to violence will never deploy their own children to the front line of conflict. When the electoral cycle ends, these sponsors move on.