- Odibo Victory
The Kastina State Police Command, on Friday, led youths and other stakeholders on a peace walk as part of efforts to curb political and digital violence.
The walk, held as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day, was led by the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage.
Umar-Fage was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administration, DCP Aminu Usman-Gusau.
The event attracted youth leaders, representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), civil society organisations and officers of the command.
The 2026 International Youth Day commemoration is being held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” with a sub-focus on “Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery.”
Addressing participants before the commencement of the walk, Umar-Fage said the initiative was designed to promote peace, unity and positive engagement between the police and youths.
He said the initiative was particularly important as the country approached the 2027 general elections, urging youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence.
The commissioner also cautioned youths against involvement in electoral offences, hate speech, misinformation and other activities capable of undermining peace and security.
“Your phone is for building, not for burning. Let us use this energy for development and not destruction,” the commissioner said.
He urged the youths to deploy social media platforms responsibly by promoting peaceful coexistence, constructive dialogue and development-oriented messages.
Umar-Fage further said the police remained committed to working with youths and other stakeholders to prevent crime and create a safer environment for all residents.
He said enforcement, engagement and empowerment remained its three-pronged approach to keeping youths safe, productive and positively engaged.
According to him, the celebration would continue on Saturday with a youth dialogue session at the command headquarters, focusing on digital literacy and safe participation of youths in governance.
While appreciating stakeholders, the commissioner also urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.