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Lagos CP Fatai Tijani has warned youths against allowing politicians to recruit them for violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying their future is too important to be sacrificed for political ambitions.
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He urged young Nigerians to participate in politics peacefully but reject inducements to attack opponents, vandalise property, disrupt public order or interfere with electoral processes.
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Tijani also warned against digital thuggery, including online threats, harassment, misinformation and incitement, urging youths to verify information before sharing it.
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The police commissioner assured Lagos residents that the command would protect lawful political activities but deal decisively with violence, intimidation and other criminal acts.
August 27, (THEWILL) — The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, has warned youths against allowing politicians to exploit them for violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to protect their future by rejecting political and digital thuggery.
Tijani gave the warning on Thursday in Ikeja during the inauguration of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery and a Police-Youth Dialogue organised to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.
The commissioner said the theme of the 2026 International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Same Aspirations,” was particularly relevant to Nigeria, noting that youths across the country shared aspirations for peace, security, education and economic opportunities.
He said young Nigerians had the right to support political parties and candidates of their choice and express their political opinions, but stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the law.
“Political participation must never become political violence; reject political and digital thuggery ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Tijani said.
He warned youths against accepting money or other inducements to attack political opponents, spread false information, vandalise property, disrupt public peace or interfere with electoral processes.
Tijani stressed that whatever temporary benefits youths might receive from politicians for engaging in violence could not compensate for the consequences of criminal conduct or the damage such actions could cause to their future.
“Your future is too important to be sacrificed for somebody else’s political ambition. Do not allow anybody to convince you that your destiny is to fight. Your destiny is to build,” he said.
The Lagos CP also raised concerns over the growing use of social media as a tool for political intimidation and incitement.
He described digital thuggery as the use of social media to threaten, harass, intimidate, spread falsehood, incite violence and manipulate people for political purposes.
Tijani urged youths to exercise restraint in their online activities, advising them to “think before you post, verify before you share and pause before you react.”
He said social media remained a powerful tool which young people could use to build businesses, communities and knowledge rather than promote hatred and violence.
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Tijani said the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery was particularly important as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for championing the campaign, saying effective policing involved prevention, education, engagement and partnership.
The commissioner said youths were not merely beneficiaries of security but critical partners in creating and sustaining a peaceful society.
He said the Police-Youth Dialogue should not be a one-off event, but should provide a platform for young people to raise concerns, ask questions and make constructive suggestions on security and governance.
Tijani assured Lagos residents that the command would provide a safe environment for lawful political activities.
He, however, warned that the police would act professionally and decisively against anyone who engaged in violence, intimidation or other criminal activities.
The commissioner also appealed to parents, religious leaders, traditional rulers, educators and community leaders to guide young people and help them resist political and criminal exploitation.
He urged the media to verify information before publication and avoid sensational reports capable of inflaming political tensions.
Tijani said young Nigerians should channel their energy into constructive political participation and community development rather than allowing themselves to become instruments of violence.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
