The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned politicians against recruiting, funding or mobilising young Nigerians to perpetrate violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.
The IGP said the police would take decisive action against political actors and their supporters who attempt to undermine the electoral process through violence, intimidation, the use of weapons or destruction of property.
According to him, political parties and their candidates must not turn young Nigerians into instruments of violence for electoral gains.
“We will not tolerate the recruitment or mobilisation of young Nigerians for political violence,” Disu warned.
He urged politicians across party lines to desist from arming youths, financing violent activities or inciting young people against fellow Nigerians.
Disu also cautioned political actors against giving youths assurances of protection after allegedly encouraging them to commit crimes, stressing that such actions could leave lasting consequences on the lives of the young people involved.
“Nigeria cannot build a secure and prosperous future by destroying the generation that is expected to inherit that future,” he said.
The police boss further raised concerns over the growing influence of social media in political conflicts, noting that violence could begin with online incitement before spilling into physical confrontations.
He assured Nigerians that the police would work to protect the integrity of the electoral environment and ensure peaceful elections, while making it clear that no individual involved in electoral violence would be shielded from the law.
The warning comes as political activities are expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the police calling for responsible participation from politicians and young Nigerians.
