By Abdullahi Sarki
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has warned youths against allowing politicians and criminal elements to exploit them for political thuggery, cybercrime and other criminal activities.
Aliyu gave the warning on Thursday during an event organised by the Bauchi State Police Command to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.
The event was held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” with the campaign slogan, “My Future Is Greater Than Political Thuggery.”
The programme featured a campaign against political and digital thuggery as well as a police-youth dialogue on leadership, security and the future of young people.
Aliyu said the initiative demonstrated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to engaging young people and protecting them from exploitation.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner described young people as innovators, entrepreneurs and future leaders, saying they should be supported rather than exploited.
He said some individuals in physical and digital spaces were taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of young people by recruiting them into violence and activities capable of disrupting society.
According to Aliyu, the campaign would educate youths on the dangers of political and digital thuggery, help them recognise their potential and encourage them to become partners in community safety and national development.
He said the campaign would be sustained through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices and extended to communities across Bauchi State.
“The security of our state and the future of our youth is a shared responsibility. The police cannot do it alone,” he said.
Aliyu called for the involvement of parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and young people in preventing youth exploitation.
He specifically warned youths against allowing politicians to use them as instruments of electoral violence.
Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Muhammad Ahmadu, urged youths to become responsible role models in their communities.
Ahmadu identified economic hardship, desperation for quick money, peer pressure, the desire to belong, lack of positive role models and low self-esteem as factors that could expose young people to political and criminal exploitation.
He warned youths against accepting money from politicians to participate in electoral violence.
“Once the election is over, or the objective is achieved, you are discarded. Meanwhile, the sponsors walk away,” Ahmadu said.
He also cautioned against drug abuse and cybercrime, including identity theft, hacking and online fraud, warning that such activities could have serious legal and long-term consequences.
The police officer urged young people to protect their digital identities, verify information before sharing it online and report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.
He advised youths to pursue education, skills acquisition, legitimate businesses and other productive ventures rather than seeking quick wealth through crime.
