Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, warned young people against being recruited by politicians and criminal networks for political thuggery, cybercrime and other forms of violence.

The warning came during a police-led event marking the 2026 International Youth Day and the launch of a campaign against political and digital thuggery.

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The event, held under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” and the campaign slogan “My Future Is Greater Than Political Thuggery”, brought police officers and young people together for discussions on leadership, security and the future of Nigerian youths.

Aliyu said the initiative was designed to strengthen the relationship between the police and young people while protecting youths from individuals who seek to exploit their vulnerabilities.

“We have formally launched a long overdue campaign, a campaign to reclaim the promise of our youth from the clutches of political and digital thuggery,” Aliyu said.

The commissioner described young people as an important force for development, rather than a threat to society.

“Our youths are not the problem; they are the solution. They are the innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders and custodians of tomorrow,” he added.

According to Aliyu, political and criminal actors increasingly exploit young people’s economic and social vulnerabilities by drawing them into violence and other activities that can cause lasting damage to their lives.

The commissioner said the campaign would educate youths about the dangers of political and digital thuggery while encouraging them to recognise their abilities and become active participants in community safety and national development.

The initiative is expected to continue through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, with the campaign scheduled to reach communities across Bauchi State.

Aliyu stressed that protecting young people and maintaining security could not be achieved by the police alone.

“The security of our state and the future of our youth is a shared responsibility.

The police cannot do it alone,” he said, calling for the involvement of parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and youths.

He also delivered a direct warning against the temptation of quick financial gains from criminal activity.

“Do not allow anyone to use you as cannon fodder for political violence. Do not allow the allure of big money from cybercrime to destroy your future,” Aliyu said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Muhammad Ahmadu, also addressed the gathering, identifying several pressures that can leave young people vulnerable to criminal recruitment.

Ahmadu cited economic hardship, desperation for quick money, peer pressure, the desire to belong, a shortage of positive role models and low self-esteem among the factors that could influence youths to participate in political violence and other crimes.

He particularly warned young people against accepting money from politicians in exchange for participating in electoral violence, noting that the young people involved often bear the consequences after elections.

“Once the election is over, or the objective is achieved, you are discarded. Meanwhile, the sponsors walk away,” Ahmadu said.

The police officer challenged youths to consider whether temporary financial rewards were worth risking their lives, freedom and future prospects.

Beyond political thuggery, Ahmadu warned against drug abuse and cybercrime, including identity theft, hacking and online fraud.

He said involvement in such activities could result in serious legal consequences and undermine young people’s long-term prospects.

He encouraged youths to protect their digital identities, verify information before sharing it and report suspicious online activity through appropriate channels.

Ahmadu also urged young people to pursue education, acquire useful skills, establish legitimate businesses and seek productive opportunities rather than being drawn towards illicit wealth.

“The choice before you is a future of dignity or a future of crime and regret,” he said.

The Bauchi initiative comes as concerns over youth involvement in political violence and cyber-enabled crime remain part of wider national conversations about unemployment, economic pressure, digital safety and the role of young Nigerians in public life.

The police campaign therefore places emphasis not only on enforcement but also on prevention, education and community engagement.

Its broader success will depend on whether young people have access to credible alternatives, including education, skills development and legitimate economic opportunities.

For the Bauchi State Police Command, the message is clear: young people should not become instruments for the ambitions of politicians or criminal networks.