2027: Police warn Katsina politicians against recruiting youths for political thuggery

The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned politicians against recruiting or funding youths to engage in political violence, warning that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliations.

The Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Fage, issued the warning on Thursday during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration held at the command headquarters in Katsina.

Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Aminu Gusau, Fage said the command would take firm action against electoral violence, cybercrime and other criminal activities.

He disclosed that police intelligence officers and cybercrime units were monitoring social media platforms to identify and address hate speech, electoral misinformation, cyber-harassment and other online offences.

According to him, anyone involved in online incitement or cybercrime would face arrest and prosecution under the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act and other applicable laws.

Fage urged young people to reject attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of violence, noting that some political sponsors shield their own children from the dangers associated with political thuggery.

“Political thuggery is not employment; it is structured self-sabotage. Do not trade your future for temporary political patronage,” he said.

As part of efforts to prevent electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, the command introduced a campaign titled “My Future Is Greater Than Political Thuggery.” The initiative is aimed at addressing political violence, youth exploitation, online manipulation and cyber-vandalism.

The police commissioner also condemned what he described as digital thuggery, including online harassment, hate speech, blackmail and the intentional circulation of false information.

He encouraged youths to authenticate information before sharing it online and urged them to channel digital technology towards innovation, entrepreneurship and national development.

Fage said peaceful elections were essential to achieving the aspirations of young Nigerians, including improved employment opportunities, education, security, infrastructure and technological advancement.

The command also established a Police-Youth Dialogue Forum to create a platform for engagement between police officers and youths on security matters, crime prevention, public trust, responsible citizenship and community policing.

Government officials, members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, religious leaders and other stakeholders attended the event.