*** Says, Politicians Reconcile, but Victims Carry the Scars

By Festus Fifen

The Nigeria Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has issued a powerful Clarion call to Nigerian youths, urging them to resist being used as instruments for political and digital thuggery as the country approaches the 2027 electoral cycle.

Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue to commemorate International Youth Day 2026, with the Theme: “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”, the IGP warned that while political actors often settle their differences behind closed doors, the young people who engage in violence on their behalf are frequently left to deal with the irreversible consequences.

In his words, “Politicians contest elections, but you live with the consequences of those elections.

“When the campaigns are over, political actors may reconcile but the young Nigerian who loses his or her life to electoral violence does not return home. The person permanently injured carries the scars. Do not allow anyone to use your youth to fight a battle that ultimately destroys your own future.”

The dialogue also served as the launchpad for a new police-led advocacy campaign titled: “MY FUTURE IS GREATER THAN POLITICAL AND DIGITAL THUGGERY.”

Addressing the diversity of the nation, the IGP noted that despite differences in ethnicity, religion, and geography, Nigerian youths share a common desire for security, education, and dignity. He stressed that these aspirations must not be sacrificed on the “altar of political expediency.”

The Police Boss reassured the public that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to creating a secure environment for democratic rights to flourish while emphasizing that the Force would facilitate peaceful campaigns and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

However, he issued a stern warning to those planning to incite trouble.

“We will not protect violence. We will not tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence,” Disu declared.

In a nod to the changing landscape of Nigerian politics, the IGP specifically mentioned “digital thuggery,” highlighting that the battle for the future is now being fought online as much as on the streets. He urged young Nigerians to use their digital skills for nation-building rather than spreading misinformation or engaging in cyber-harassment for political gains.

As the dialogue concluded, the IGP’s message remained clear: the law will take its course on those who break it, and no political affiliation will serve as a shield for criminality.

“The person who is arrested must face the law,” he concluded. “Your future is too valuable to be traded for a politician’s ambition.”