By Paul Williams
The Inspector‑General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has adopted the Abuja Youth Declaration on Peace, Responsible Citizenship and Democratic Participation and backed a national campaign against political and digital thuggery.
He made the announcement at the close of a three‑day International Youth Day programme in Abuja on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
The programme, organised under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, was held under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” and the campaign “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force will move the initiative beyond the capital — into schools, tertiary campuses, NYSC formations and youth groups — positioning youths as partners in prevention, protection and peaceful democratic participation.
He said the programme went beyond speeches to practical engagement through panel sessions, a walkathon, a tree‑planting exercise and other activities aimed at promoting responsibility and action among young Nigerians.
He added that the initiative would continue beyond Abuja, with the Nigeria Police Force taking the conversation to schools, tertiary institutions, NYSC formations and youth organisations across the country.
The Inspector‑General urged young Nigerians to own the commitments contained in the Abuja Youth Declaration and allow them to guide their civic participation, online conduct and relationship with their communities and the nation at large.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to working with youths as partners in prevention, protection, peaceful democratic participation and responsible digital citizenship.
The National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, Chief Mrs Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, in her goodwill message urged young Nigerians to reject violence, political thuggery, cybercrime, hate and misinformation, and to embrace peace, responsibility and purposeful leadership.
She encouraged them to use their voices, ideas, skills and digital platforms positively, stressing that their future is greater than political and digital thuggery.
Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu, in a release, noted that the Nigeria Police Force “appreciates all government institutions, development partners, private‑sector sponsors, facilitators, speakers, volunteers and youth participants whose contributions ensured the success of the programme.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to sustaining the momentum of the initiative and deepening police‑youth partnerships in the interest of peace, security and national development,” he said.
The closing ceremony featured the International Youth Day Honours and Awards Ceremony, the launch of the national campaign against political and digital thuggery and electoral violence, the investiture of National Youth Ambassadors, and the presentation of the book Esteemed Youths.
The adoption of the Abuja Youth Declaration was a major outcome of the three‑day engagement.
