The Osun State Police Command has strongly urged Nigerian youths to reject political and digital thuggery, declaring that their future is far greater than violence, manipulation, and exploitation. The call was made during a high-level stakeholders’ summit held to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day. Security chiefs and community leaders warned young people against being used as tools for destruction by the political class.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, revealed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, had approved the nationwide launch of a new security campaign. Titled "My Future is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery," the initiative operates under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative. It aligns with the United Nations theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” aiming to curb both physical and online electoral vices.

Represented by the Area Commander for Osogbo, ACP Temitope Adewumi, the CP explained that the anti-thuggery campaign is built on five core pillars. These include leadership, security, innovation and enterprise, responsible citizenship, and digital responsibility. He emphasized that these pillars serve as practical tools to steer young Nigerians away from destructive paths, targeting both physical election violence and online hate speech.

The police boss cautioned the youths against accepting temporary financial hand-outs to perpetrate violence or using social media platforms to destroy reputations. He assured them that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to protecting and partnering with the youth. He noted that the institution’s role extends beyond basic law enforcement to actively nurturing the next generation of responsible leaders.

Adding his voice to the call, the Chairman of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Comrade Waheed Lawal, blamed the ruling class for intentionally manufacturing hardships to make the youth vulnerable. Lawal charged the younger generation to recognize that their lives and futures carry more weight than the selfish ambitions of politicians. He stressed that they must fiercely resist any attempts by the political elite to divide or exploit them.

On educational development, ACP Temitope Adewumi spoke in his capacity as Area Commander, identifying education as the most critical foundation for youth empowerment. He urged the participants to passionately pursue both formal academic knowledge and informal skill acquisition to remain competitive. He noted that a well-informed youth population is significantly less susceptible to criminal manipulation.

Representing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Bajulaye Victor warned that while political thuggery destroys physical destinies, digital thuggery damages character. He affirmed CAN’s readiness to partner with the police in re-orienting young minds across the nation. In a powerful charge to the audience, the cleric declared, "Your future is bigger than ballots, and your destiny is greater than data."

In their respective remarks, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Olakolupo Segun, and the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Oladapo, praised the police for the timely intervention. While Segun demanded strict police neutrality to maintain public confidence and called for the rehabilitation of unorganized youths, Oba Oladapo commended Osun youths for their peaceful conduct during the August 15 election, urging them to stay focused on becoming useful societal leaders.