As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, the Katsina State Police Command has launched a major campaign aimed at shielding young people from being recruited into political violence and other forms of electoral misconduct.

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday at the command headquarters in Katsina, carries the striking message: “My Future is Greater Than Political Thuggery.” The campaign formed part of activities commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day and reflects growing concerns over the role youths often play in election-related violence across the country.

Speaking during the launch, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Aliyu Umar Fage, issued a stern warning to politicians and influential individuals who may be planning to recruit, sponsor or finance youths for violent political activities before, during or after the 2027 polls.

Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DCP Aminu Usman Gusau, the police commissioner declared that the command would not spare anyone found engaging in acts capable of disrupting the democratic process, regardless of their political influence or social standing.

According to him, the campaign goes beyond addressing conventional political thuggery and street violence. It is also designed to tackle the growing threat of digital thuggery, including online hate campaigns, cyberbullying, blackmail, misinformation and other forms of internet-based abuse that could inflame tensions and undermine public trust during the election period.

The police chief revealed that the command has already activated its cybercrime units and intelligence networks to monitor online spaces for activities capable of threatening peace, public order and national security.

He warned that individuals using social media and other digital platforms to incite violence, spread false information or engage in cyber-related offences would face the full weight of the law.

According to him, offenders would be investigated and prosecuted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other relevant legal provisions.

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to peaceful elections, Fage declared a zero-tolerance policy against electoral violence, criminal intimidation and any attempt to manipulate the democratic process through force or coercion.

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He urged young people across the state to resist the temptation of being used as tools by politicians pursuing personal ambitions, stressing that the consequences of political violence often fall heavily on the youths themselves.

“Young people should not allow themselves to become instruments of violence in the hands of politicians,” he said. “Political thuggery is not a source of livelihood. It is a dangerous path that destroys opportunities, damages reputations and can permanently derail the future of those involved.”

The police commissioner further noted that many politicians who recruit youths for violent activities often shield their own children from such risks, leaving recruited youths to face arrest, injury, imprisonment or even death when violence erupts.

He therefore challenged young people to think beyond short-term financial incentives and consider the long-term impact of their decisions on their education, careers and overall future.

Beyond politics, Fage also called on youths to become responsible users of digital technology by verifying information before sharing it online. He encouraged them to channel their energy toward productive ventures such as entrepreneurship, innovation, education and skills development instead of participating in divisive political conflicts.

The police boss stressed that peaceful and credible elections remain critical to creating an environment where young Nigerians can achieve their aspirations in employment, quality education, technological advancement, infrastructure development and national security.

With political activities expected to intensify in the coming months, the campaign signals the Katsina State Police Command’s determination to curb both physical and online forms of electoral violence while encouraging young people to protect their future and play constructive roles in strengthening democracy.