By Samuel Ike, Abuja

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has cautioned political actors against recruiting and sponsoring youths to engage in violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the Nigeria Police Force will deal decisively with anyone found undermining the electoral process.

The IGP issued the warning during the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue held in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day. The event was organised by the Nigeria Police Force to promote youth engagement in nation-building and security.

Disu stressed that the police would not tolerate electoral violence, voter intimidation, unlawful possession of weapons, destruction of property or any attempt to compromise the integrity of future elections.

According to him, political leaders must refrain from using young Nigerians as tools for political conflicts and personal ambitions. He urged politicians across party lines not to arm, finance or incite youths to commit acts capable of threatening public peace and national stability.

“Nigeria cannot build a secure and prosperous future by sacrificing the very generation expected to lead it,” the IGP said, emphasizing that the country’s development depends on protecting and empowering young people rather than exposing them to violence.

He also warned youths against allowing themselves to be manipulated by political interests, noting that modern political violence increasingly extends beyond physical confrontations to the digital space.

Disu highlighted the growing dangers posed by misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, online impersonation, deepfakes and coordinated digital attacks. He noted that such activities have the potential to damage reputations, inflame tensions, trigger real-world violence and erode public trust in democratic institutions.

The police chief urged young Nigerians to exercise caution when using social media platforms and to verify information before sharing it. He advised them to confirm facts, avoid spreading false narratives and use digital platforms responsibly.

According to him, every online action carries consequences, and citizens must recognise their role in fostering national unity rather than deepening divisions through inflammatory content.

The IGP’s remarks come amid heightened political activities and concerns over security following incidents of violence recorded around the recent Osun State governorship election. Several party members reportedly lost their lives during the period, raising fears about the potential escalation of politically linked violence ahead of future elections.

However, the Nigeria Police Force has maintained that many of the clashes and killings reported during the Osun election period were related to cult activities rather than political rivalry.

Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the police to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process and ensuring that elections are conducted in a peaceful, secure and credible environment across the country.