Reject thuggery, Kogi CP urges youths

Kogi State's Police Commissioner, CP Naziru Kankarofi, has called upon young people in Kogi State to reject political violence, digital thuggery, misinformation, and criminal activities. He made this appeal during the command's International Youth Day commemoration on Saturday, 2026, under the theme, 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.'

The event's campaign theme, 'My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,' emphasized the shared aspirations of young people, irrespective of their backgrounds. Kankarofi highlighted the importance of youths as partners in building a safer society, emphasizing their energy, creativity, and digital influence could foster peace.

However, he cautioned that these same qualities could be misused to instigate division and violence if not used responsibly.

Kankarofi introduced the Youth Campaign Walk and Police-Youth Dialogue, aimed at fostering trust and enhancing communication between the youth and the police. He emphasized the necessity of youths exercising caution in their online activities, urging them to verify information before sharing and avoid inciting violence or hatred.

Kankarofi also warned that actions taken online could have significant real-world consequences and urged young Nigerians not to be used as instruments of political violence ahead of future elections. He assured the youth that the command would maintain open communication channels with youth organizations and other relevant bodies, reaffirming their commitment to a policing system where young people are heard, valued, and actively involved in creating safer communities.