The Rivers State Police Command has renewed its campaign against cultism, political thuggery and other social vices, urging youths across the state to reject violence and resist attempts to use them as instruments of electoral disruption.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, gave the warning on Saturday during the command’s 2026 International Youth Day celebration at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Port Harcourt.

The event also featured the inauguration of leaders of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) across communities and tertiary institutions in the state.

Speaking on the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” Adepoju said youths remained critical to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous society.

He urged them to shun political thuggery, cultism, drug abuse, violence and other forms of criminality, warning that involvement in such activities could destroy their future and undermine development in the state.

According to him, the energy, creativity and talents of young people should instead be channelled into productive ventures that promote peace, development and community growth.

The commissioner said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to strengthen its engagement with youths through mentorship, community policing and other initiatives aimed at building trust and improving security.

He assured young people of the command’s commitment to creating a safe and conducive environment for them to pursue their aspirations, while commending their contributions to national development.

In her keynote address, titled “Election Thuggery: The Role of Youths in Promoting Peaceful Elections,” the Head of Gender and Anti-Trafficking, State Criminal Investigations Department, ACP Rachel Opadola, warned youths against allowing politicians to recruit them for electoral violence.

Opadola urged them to play a constructive role in deepening Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that their participation should be driven by civic responsibility rather than violence.

“Don’t be a political weapon, be a democratic force. The future of our democracy is not only in the hands of politicians.

“It is also in the hands of the youth. Say no to election thuggery, say yes to peaceful participation, say yes to a better future,” she said.

Also speaking, Justin Briggs of the Rivers Speakers, Youths Assembly of Nigeria, commended the police for organising the programme, describing it as timely as the state approaches another electioneering period.

He said youths had a significant role to play in promoting peace and stability, adding that they desired a peaceful Rivers State and Nigeria.

The celebration brought together youth organisations, community leaders, security stakeholders and police officers, with discussions centred on challenges facing young people and their responsibilities In promoting peace, security and national development. (The Guardian)

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