The Nasarawa State Police Command has kicked off the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery in the state.
This is part of the effort to sensitize the youth on the dangers of political violence, criminality and the misuse of digital platforms.
The campaign, which was held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, brought together youths and other relevant stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Mohammed, representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, called on the youths to be responsible citizens and peaceful participants in democratic processes.
The Police Commissioner, addressing the participants during the exercise, said that security is a collective responsibility.
He emphasized that lasting security goes beyond law enforcement and was built on prevention, partnership and shared responsibility among security agencies, government, communities and citizens.
The CP said political and digital thuggery are grave threats to peace, democratic values and national development, warning youths not to allow 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 urging 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.
On the specific issue of digital thuggery, the Commissioner cautioned the youths against the use of social media and other digital platforms to propagate misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying, digital manipulation, incitement and other forms of harmful online activities.
He urged them to reject political violence and criminality in every guise, saying that no political interest or personal gain is worth the sacrifice of their future, their freedom and the peace of the nation.
The CP urged the youths to embrace education, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsible digital citizenship and constructive civic participation as routes to personal fulfillment, sustainable development and national progress.
He also urged participants to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by promoting peace, tolerance, unity and responsible citizenship both offline and online.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of young people being careful in their use of digital platforms, advising them to “think before they click and verify before they share” any information online, especially information that could incite panic, hatred, violence or division among the public.