Security Stakeholders Urge Youths to Reject Violence

On Thursday, during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration and Police Youth Dialogue at the POWA Hall in Lagos, security stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigerian Navy, cautioned Nigerian youths against engaging in political violence, cybercrime, and other criminal activities. Key figures at the event included Commander Beecroft, Commodore Adams Aliu (represented by Commander E.E.

Omokhodion), Air Commodore Muhammed Asuekhome Imam, and Brigadier General Olufemi Owolabi. The stakeholders emphasized that Nigeria's youthful population could either drive economic growth or be exploited for destructive purposes.

They warned against the misuse of social media, highlighting the dangers of fake news and inciting content. The experts stressed that national security is a collective responsibility, urging youths to reject violence and criminality, report suspicious activities, and actively contribute to societal solutions.

They also cautioned against being used by politicians for electoral violence, noting the long-term consequences of criminal records on employment and education.