The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery in the state.
This is part of efforts to sensitise youths on the dangers of political violence, criminality and the misuse of digital platforms.
The campaign, held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, brought together youths and other relevant stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Mohammed, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urged the youths to be responsible citizens and peaceful participants in democratic processes.
Addressing participants during the exercise, the Police Commissioner stated that security was a collective responsibility.
He stressed that lasting security extends beyond law enforcement and was built on prevention, partnership and shared responsibility among security agencies, government, communities and citizens.
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The CP explained that political and digital thuggery constitute serious threats to peace, democratic values and national development, warning youths against allowing themselves to be manipulated or used as instruments of violence, criminality or social disorder.
He urged the youths to understand that their future is far greater than political and digital thuggery, while encouraging them to invest their youthful energy in civic education, entrepreneurship, innovation, education and positive values, which would promote social responsibility and contribute significantly to national security and development.
Speaking specifically on digital thuggery, the Commissioner warned the youths against the misuse of social media and other digital platforms for spreading misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying, digital manipulation, incitement and other forms of harmful online activities.
He urged them to reject political violence and criminality in all forms, stressing that no political interest or personal gain is worth sacrificing their future, freedom and the peace of the nation.
The CP encouraged the youths to embrace education, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsible digital citizenship and constructive civic participation as pathways to personal fulfilment, sustainable development and national progress.
He further urged participants to become good ambassadors of Nigeria by promoting peace, tolerance, unity and responsible citizenship both offline and online.
The Commissioner emphasised the need for young people to exercise caution in their use of digital platforms, urging them to “think before they click and verify before they share” any information online, particularly information capable of causing panic, hatred, violence or division among members of the public.
