Gombe State Launches Campaign Against Political Thuggery

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Gombe State is grappling with a new form of political thuggery characterized by the rapid spread of misinformation through social media. An alarming message about a supposed bandit attack on a church in Akko Local Government Area circulated in a community WhatsApp group, inciting panic among residents.

CP Umar Ahmed Chuso of the Gombe State Police warned that misinformation can cause more damage than physical violence. This warning was issued during the launch of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery, organized by the Gombe State Police Command to coincide with the 2026 International Youth Day.

The campaign, themed “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” aligns with directives from IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. The historical context includes the notorious Kalare phenomenon, where gangs have previously engaged in violence and intimidation.

The campaign aims to address the vulnerabilities of young people who are often mobilized for political purposes.