Nasarawa State Police Command has commenced the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery in the state.
It is part of the efforts to sensitize the youth on the dangers of political violence, criminality and abuse of digital platforms.
The campaign was held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, with youths and other relevant stakeholders in attendance.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Commissioner of Police Nasarawa State Command, CP Shetima Mohammed called on the youths to be responsible citizens and peaceful participants in the democratic process.
Addressing the participants during the exercise, Police Commissioner, Augustine Lekuruki said security is a collective responsibility.
He said sustainable security was more than law enforcement and was based on prevention, partnership and shared responsibility between security agencies, government, communities and citizens.
The CP said political and digital thuggery are grave threats to peace, democratic values and national development, warning youths not to allow themselves to be manipulated or used as instruments of violence, criminality or social disorder.
He urged the youths to understand that their future is far greater than political and digital thuggery, while urging them to invest their youthful energy in civic education, entrepreneurship, innovation, education and positive values, which would promote social responsibility and contribute significantly to national security and development.
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On the specific issue of digital thuggery, the Commissioner warned the youths not to use social media and other digital platforms for misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying, digital manipulation, incitement and other forms of harmful online activities.
He urged them to reject political violence and criminality in all its forms, saying that no political interest or personal gain is worth the sacrifice of their future, their freedom and the peace of the nation.
The CP urged the youths to embrace education, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsible digital citizenship and constructive civic participation as routes to personal fulfillment, sustainable development and national progress.
He also called on the participants to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by promoting peace, tolerance, unity and responsible citizenship both online and offline.
The Commissioner underlined the need for the youth to be cautious in their use of digital platforms, and advised them to “think before they click and verify before they share” any information online, especially information that could stir panic, hatred, violence or division among the public.
