Osun: Police urge youths to reject political, digital thuggery

Osun State Police Urges Youths to Reject Political and Digital Thuggery

The Osun State Police Command has called on Nigerian youths to refuse involvement in political and digital thuggery, emphasizing that their future holds greater promise than violence and exploitation.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan made the appeal on Saturday during a stakeholders’ summit commemorating International Youth Day 2026. Gotan was represented by ACP Temitope Adewumi, the Area Commander for Osogbo.

During the event, Gotan indicated that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had approved a nationwide observance of International Youth Day under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative, aligning with the United Nations theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

The Nigeria Police Force has initiated a national campaign titled “My Future is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.” This campaign aims to counteract political violence, electoral thuggery, digital manipulation, and the exploitation of young people.

Gotan outlined that the initiative is built on five key pillars: leadership, security, innovation and enterprise, responsible citizenship, and digital responsibility. “These pillars are not just words on paper,” he asserted, stating they serve as practical tools to help youths steer clear of destructive behaviors. The campaign addresses both physical violence during elections and online threats, including hate speech and misinformation.

He emphasized to the youth that their futures surpass the temporary gains of political violence and the harmful use of digital platforms for misinformation. “The Nigeria Police Force is committed to standing with you, protecting you, and partnering with you. We are charged with enforcing the law and supporting the rise of responsible leaders,” he said.

Waheed Lawal, Chairman of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, remarked that many of Nigeria’s challenges have been artificially instigated by the ruling class to exploit young people. He urged youths to understand that their lives and futures far outweigh individual political ambitions, discouraging them from being divided or used by politicians.

ACP Temitope Adewumi further highlighted the importance of education in the lives of youths, encouraging them to pursue both formal and informal education to better their prospects.

The Christian Association of Nigeria representative, Rev. Bajulaye Victor, stated that the program offers Nigerian youths a chance to chase their dreams, while cautioning that political thuggery could derail their aspirations, and digital thuggery could tarnish their reputations. “CAN is ready to partner with the police and urges youths to reject compromises to their futures based on monetary or political influences,” he said.

Olakolupo Segun, Osun State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, commended the police for organizing the summit and advocated for ongoing neutrality in police actions to bolster the confidence of youths in law enforcement. He also called for police engagement with troubled youths through dialogue.

Oba Adesoji Oladapo, the Salu of Edunabon, praised Osun youths for their participation during the August 15 election. He encouraged them to resist being used as political thugs and instead focus on becoming valuable contributors to society.

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