The Cross River State Police Command has launched a campaign against digital and political thuggery, warning youths against allowing themselves to be used for violence, manipulation and other criminal activities.
The campaign, tagged, “My Future Is Greater Than Digital & Political Thuggery,” is launched as part of a nationwide initiative directed by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The initiative is aimed at discouraging political violence, electoral thuggery, digital manipulation and the exploitation of young people for criminal activities.
As part of the launch, the command organised a walkathon to sensitise members of the public, particularly youths, on the dangers and consequences of political and digital thuggery.
The event attracted the Commissioner for Youth and Skills Acquisition, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, the Senior Special Adviser on Peace and Security (South), sister security agencies, students, youths, police officers and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, Geoffrey Ordue on Friday said the campaign was designed to prevent young people from being recruited into activities capable of destroying their future.
Ordue urged youths to reject politica manipulation and the use of social media to promote violence, misinformation and other forms of criminality.
He said, “Your future is greater than digital and political thuggery. Do not allow anyone to use you to cause violence or destroy what you have worked hard to build.”
The police boss also encouraged young people to use their creativity, digital skills and energy for productive purposes, noting that responsible youth engagement remained critical to maintaining peace and security in the state.
He said the command would continue to engage youths and other stakeholders through public enlightenment and preventive policing to address emerging security threats.
The police urged youths across the state to make responsible choices and resist attempts by politicians or other individuals to recruit them for violent activities.
The command said the campaign would also promote responsible use of digital platforms, peaceful political participation and positive youth engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.