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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Olatunji Disu, has formally adopted the Abuja Youth Declaration on Peace, Responsible Citizenship and Democratic Participation at the close of the three-day International Youth Day 2026 programme in Abuja.
The event, organised under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, was held with the theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," and the campaign slogan, "My Future is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery." The programme focused on encouraging young Nigerians to embrace peaceful democratic participation and responsible digital engagement.
The closing ceremony featured the International Youth Day Honours and Awards, the launch of a national campaign against political and digital thuggery as well as electoral violence, the investiture of National Youth Ambassadors, and the presentation of a book titled Esteemed Youths. The adoption of the Abuja Youth Declaration emerged as the major outcome of the three-day engagement.
Speaking at the event, IGP Disu said the initiative extended beyond speeches, highlighting practical activities such as panel discussions, a walkathon, and a tree-planting exercise designed to inspire responsibility and active citizenship among young people. He disclosed that the programme would be expanded to schools, tertiary institutions, NYSC camps and youth organisations across the country.
The police chief urged young Nigerians to embrace the commitments contained in the Abuja Youth Declaration and allow them to shape their civic responsibilities, online behaviour and relationships within their communities. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to partnering with youths in promoting crime prevention, public safety, peaceful democratic participation and responsible digital citizenship.
Also speaking, the National President of the Police Officers' Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs. Olufunmilola Mutiat Disu, encouraged youths to reject violence, political thuggery, cybercrime, hate speech and misinformation. She urged them to channel their talents, ideas and digital platforms towards nation-building, stressing that their future is greater than political and digital thuggery.
The Nigeria Police Force expressed appreciation to government agencies, development partners, private-sector sponsors, facilitators, volunteers and youth participants for contributing to the success of the programme, while pledging to sustain the initiative and strengthen police-youth partnerships in the interest of peace, security and national development.
