In a significant address during the 2026 International Youth Day celebrations, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urged young people to resist the temptations of political thuggery and cybercrime. The event, themed "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," was organized by the Bauchi State Police Command and included a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of exploitation by politicians and criminals.

Aliyu emphasized that the initiative reflects the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to engaging with youths and protecting them from being used as tools for violence and disruption. He stated, "We have formally launched a long overdue campaign, a campaign to reclaim the promise of our youth from the clutches of political and digital thuggery. Our youths are not the problem; they are the solution. They are the innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders and custodians of tomorrow."

The police commissioner highlighted the vulnerabilities that some youths face, which make them susceptible to manipulation by unscrupulous individuals. He noted that the campaign aims to educate young people about the perils of engaging in political violence and cybercrime while empowering them to recognize their potential as active contributors to community safety and national development.

Aliyu called for a collective effort in safeguarding the future of the youth, stating, "The security of our state and the future of our youth is a shared responsibility. The police cannot do it alone. We need the support of parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, and, most importantly, the youths themselves."

The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Muhammad Ahmadu, also addressed the gathering, urging the youths to become responsible role models within their communities. He identified several factors that could lead young people into the traps of political and criminal exploitation, including economic hardship, peer pressure, and a lack of positive role models.

Ahmadu cautioned against accepting money from politicians for electoral violence, warning that such actions could have dire consequences. He said, "Once the election is over, or the objective is achieved, you are discarded. Meanwhile, the sponsors walk away. I ask you today, what is your future worth? What is the price of a few thousand naira? Is it worth your life, your future and the respect of a group that does not care if you live or die?"

In addition to discussing the dangers of political thuggery, Ahmadu also addressed the issue of cybercrime, including identity theft and online fraud. He urged youths to safeguard their digital identities and to engage in legitimate activities that contribute positively to their lives and communities.

He concluded by encouraging young people to pursue education, skills acquisition, and legitimate business ventures instead of seeking quick wealth through illegal means. "The choice before you is a future of dignity or a future of crime and regret. Your answer to this choice will determine not just your destiny, but the destiny of our state and nation," he said. The campaign is set to extend into local communities across Bauchi State as part of a broader effort to combat cultism and other societal vices.