The Bauchi State Police Command has urged young people to reject political thuggery, cybercrime and other activities that could jeopardise their future.
The State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, gave the warning on Thursday during an event organised by the command to mark the 2026 International Youth Day in Bauchi.
The event, held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” featured a campaign against political and digital thuggery, as well as a dialogue between the police and youths on leadership, security and their future.
Aliyu said young people were increasingly being targeted by politicians and criminal elements who sought to exploit their vulnerabilities for violence and other illegal activities.
He said the police campaign was designed to help youths recognise such manipulation and make positive contributions to their communities.
“Our youths are not the problem; they are the solution. They are the innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders and custodians of tomorrow,” Aliyu said.
The commissioner said the campaign would be sustained through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices and extended to communities across the state.
He appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other community stakeholders to support efforts to protect young people from criminal exploitation.
Aliyu also cautioned youths against allowing politicians to use them as instruments of electoral violence.
“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,” he warned.
Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Muhammad Ahmadu, urged youths to become positive examples within their communities.
Ahmadu identified economic hardship, peer pressure, the search for quick wealth, the desire for acceptance, lack of role models and low self-esteem as some factors that could expose young people to criminal and political exploitation.
He warned youths against collecting money from politicians to perpetrate electoral violence, stressing that such sponsors often abandon those they use once their objectives have been achieved.
“Once the election is over, or the objective is achieved, you are discarded. Meanwhile, the sponsors walk away,” Ahmadu said.
He further advised young people to stay away from drug abuse, identity theft, hacking and online fraud, noting that involvement in such activities could result in serious legal consequences and damage their future.
The police officer encouraged youths to verify information before sharing it online, safeguard their digital identities and report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.
He also urged them to pursue education, acquire relevant skills, establish legitimate businesses and engage in other productive activities.
“The choice before you is a future of dignity or a future of crime and regret,” Ahmadu said.
He called on the youths to prioritise self-development, build positive relationships and participate actively in legitimate community initiatives
