Police To Host International Youth Day 2026, Launch Anti-Thuggery, Digital Responsibility Campaigns

The Nigeria Police Force will host the 2026 International Youth Day (IYD) programme from August 20 to 22 at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, with related activities across Zonal and State Commands nationwide.

The three-day programme, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” is designed as a preventive policing initiative to promote youth leadership, responsible citizenship, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital responsibility and peaceful democratic participation.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the initiative will also strengthen partnerships between the Police and young people in efforts to build safer communities.

Activities lined up for the programme include youth leadership dialogues, Police–Youth engagement sessions, panel discussions, innovation and entrepreneurship showcases, a peace and security walkathon and novelty sporting activities.

The Police will also lead a nationwide tree-planting initiative tagged “Plant Peace. Grow Nigeria. Secure the Future,” alongside youth honours and awards.

The programme will feature the launch of Esteemed Youths: A National Youth Reorientation Resource on August 22.

The Force said two nationwide reorientation campaigns would also be launched as part of the event.

The first, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” is aimed at discouraging political violence, electoral thuggery and digital manipulation.

The second, “Think Before You Click. Verify Before You Share,” will promote responsible digital citizenship and tackle misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying and the misuse of emerging technologies.

The Police invited government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, diplomatic missions, youth organisations, educational institutions, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, the private sector and members of the public to participate in the initiative.

The Force said the programme reflects its commitment to preventive policing through strategic engagement with young people, noting that empowering youths with appropriate values, opportunities and leadership platforms is essential to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.