Police Chief Warns Politicians Against Using Youth for Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has issued a stern warning to politicians, cautioning them against using young Nigerians as instruments for political violence as the 2027 general elections approach. Disu declared that the police force would take decisive action against any individuals attempting to disrupt the electoral process, making it clear that perpetrators of violence would not be shielded.

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We will protect the integrity of the electoral environment. But let me be equally clear, we will not protect violence.

Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue in Abuja, organized by the Nigeria Police Force as part of International Youth Day activities, Disu emphasized the police's commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral environment. "We will protect the integrity of the electoral environment. But let me be equally clear, we will not protect violence," he stated. He urged political leaders to cease recruiting or funding youths for attacks on opponents, highlighting the potential for such actions to expose young people to criminal activities and lasting negative consequences.

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We will not tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence.

Disu directly appealed to politicians across party lines, imploring them not to arm youths, finance violent activities, or incite them to attack fellow citizens for political gain. "Do not recruit our young people to fight your political battles. Do not arm them. Do not finance violence. Do not incite them against their fellow citizens," the police chief urged. He also cautioned against giving young people false assurances of protection after they have been used to commit crimes, stating, "Do not encourage them to commit crimes today and promise to protect them tomorrow."

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Do not recruit our young people to fight your political battles. Do not arm them. Do not finance violence. Do not incite them against their fellow citizens.

The Inspector-General stressed the critical need for Nigerian political leaders to consider the long-term ramifications of electoral violence on the nation's youth. "Nigeria cannot build a secure and prosperous future by destroying the generation that is expected to inherit that future," he remarked. Disu also drew attention to the escalating role of social media in fueling political conflicts, noting that violence can be instigated online through misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, and coordinated attacks, which can heighten tensions and erode trust in democratic institutions. He advised young Nigerians to critically evaluate information before sharing it, reminding them that "your digital footprint is part of your citizenship."

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Nigeria cannot build a secure and prosperous future by destroying the generation that is expected to inherit that future.