As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, the Katsina State Police Command has taken a firm stance against political violence, warning that anyone involved in sponsoring or perpetrating such acts will face arrest. This announcement was made during a speech by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Aminu Gusau, on behalf of Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Fage, at the celebration of the 2026 International Youth Day.

The police emphasized the importance of vigilance, particularly among the youth, who are often targeted for recruitment into violent political activities. The event, themed "Same Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," gathered youths, security representatives, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to discuss the role of young people in fostering peace during the electoral process.

CP Ali Fage highlighted a campaign titled "My Future Is Greater Than Politics," aimed at discouraging political violence, electoral thuggery, and the exploitation of youth by political actors. He described political thuggery as a form of "structured self-sabotage," urging young people to resist offers of money, drugs, or other incentives that could lead them to engage in violent acts.

The commissioner warned that those who recruit youths for violence often abandon them after elections, leaving them to deal with the repercussions of their actions. He stated, "Those who recruit young men and women to resort to violence will never deploy their own children to the front line of conflict. When the electoral cycle ends, these sponsors move on."

In addition to physical violence, the police are also concerned about the rise of digital thuggery, which includes cyber harassment, misinformation, and hate speech on social media. CP Fage cautioned that the police would actively monitor online activities and take action against individuals spreading false narratives or engaging in electoral disinformation.

The police command has established a Police Youth Dialogue initiative to enhance communication between law enforcement and the youth, focusing on security, crime prevention, and responsible citizenship. The commissioner reiterated a strict zero-tolerance policy towards electoral violence, stating, "The command will identify, investigate and arrest any individual, regardless of political affiliation, who finances, incites or equips people for political violence."

Fage urged the youth to recognize their vital role in the development of Katsina State and Nigeria, emphasizing that their aspirations for a better future can only be realized in a peaceful environment. He called on them to reject being used as tools for political conflict and instead engage in constructive activities that contribute to societal progress.

"The general election is an opportunity to express democratic choice, not an arena for conflict," he added, encouraging young people to commit to peace and integrity in the political landscape.