The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to political actors against recruiting or mobilizing youths for political violence, emphasizing that law enforcement will hold offenders accountable regardless of party affiliation.

Speaking at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue for International Youth Day 2026, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu stated that the force will not tolerate weapons possession, voter intimidation, attacks on opponents, property destruction, or criminal acts masked as political participation. He urged political leaders across all parties to refrain from arming, financing, or inciting young citizens, stressing that the nation's future depends on protecting its youth rather than endangering them.

The IGP also highlighted the growing threat of digital violence, noting that political manipulation now extends to smartphones through misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, deepfakes, and coordinated online attacks. He called on young Nigerians to practice responsible digital citizenship by verifying information before sharing and considering whether online content builds or harms the nation.

Reinforcing the event's theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," Force Public Relations Officer CSP Anietie Iniedu noted that engaging youth is part of the police force's non-kinetic operations. He stressed that modern policing and building a secure Nigeria require active cooperation and a collective responsibility between the public and security agencies.