BAUCHI, NIGERIA — The Bauchi State Police Command has warned young people against political thuggery, cybercrime and other criminal activities, urging them to reject violence and embrace legitimate opportunities capable of securing a better future.
The warning comes as security concerns surrounding political activities continue to receive attention across the state. The command has repeatedly cautioned youths, politicians and their supporters against actions capable of disrupting public peace or threatening the safety of residents.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has particularly emphasised the need for young people to avoid being recruited into political violence. The police said youths should not allow themselves to be used by politicians or other individuals to commit crimes that could ultimately damage their own futures.
The warning is also significant as Bauchi prepares for and manages political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. The police have already announced heightened security measures around electoral activities, warning that thuggery, vote buying, ballot-box snatching and intimidation would attract the full weight of the law.
According to the command, anyone involved in electoral violence, including sponsors and accomplices, would be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of political affiliation or social status. The position reflects the police command’s broader effort to prevent young people from becoming instruments of political violence.
Political thuggery has remained a concern in parts of Nigeria, particularly during election periods when young people can be recruited by political actors to intimidate opponents, disrupt campaigns or interfere with voting processes.
For the police, preventing such activities requires cooperation from young people themselves. Rather than becoming involved in violence for temporary financial or political benefits, youths are being encouraged to pursue lawful employment, entrepreneurship, education and other productive ventures.
The command has also identified cybercrime as another major threat confronting young Nigerians. The rapid expansion of internet access and social media has created opportunities for legitimate economic activities, but it has also been exploited by individuals involved in online fraud and other forms of cybercrime.
Police authorities have consequently urged young people to use digital platforms responsibly and develop skills that can generate legitimate income. The warning reflects concerns that involvement in cybercrime can expose youths to arrest, prosecution, imprisonment and long-term damage to their reputation.
The command’s position is that young people should recognise the long-term consequences of criminal activities rather than being attracted by immediate financial gains.
The call comes amid continuing efforts by security agencies across Nigeria to tackle violent crime and online offences. In Bauchi, police have previously arrested suspected political thugs following incidents linked to political activities. In May, the command arrested two suspects over an alleged attack at the Peoples Democratic Party secretariat in the state.
Earlier in January, police also arrested 14 people suspected of being political thugs in different parts of Bauchi metropolis. The suspects were reportedly apprehended during operations targeting activities associated with the “Yan Sara-suka” group.
These operations demonstrate the continuing security challenge posed by organised street violence and political thuggery, particularly when criminal groups become connected to political activities.
The police have therefore urged parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to help discourage young people from joining criminal groups. They are also encouraged to report suspicious activities and individuals to security agencies before such activities escalate into violence.
The command has assured residents that officers deployed for political and electoral duties would operate professionally and remain politically neutral. During preparations for the Bauchi local government elections, the police directed personnel to respect citizens’ rights while enforcing the law against violence and other electoral offences.
For young people, the police message centres on the importance of protecting their future. Participation in political processes is a legitimate civic activity, but becoming involved in violence or criminal operations can have consequences that extend far beyond a single election.
The command is consequently urging youths to channel their energy into education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and other lawful ventures. Such activities, it says, can provide sustainable opportunities while helping young people contribute positively to their communities.
As political activities intensify in Bauchi, authorities are expected to maintain pressure on groups involved in thuggery and other forms of violence. The police warning also sends a message to political actors that recruiting youths to carry out criminal activities will not be tolerated.
Ultimately, the command wants young people to understand that their future should not be sacrificed for the temporary interests of politicians or criminal networks. By rejecting thuggery and cybercrime and embracing legitimate opportunities, youths can protect themselves while contributing to a safer and more prosperous Bauchi State.
