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Security stakeholders, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, have warned Nigerian youths against allowing themselves to be recruited into political violence, cybercrime, drug abuse, cultism and other criminal activities capable of undermining national security. The warning was issued on Thursday in Lagos at the 2026 International Youth Day celebration and Police Youth Dialogue held at the POWA Hall, where security stakeholders urged young Nigerians to become active partners in building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria. Representatives at the event included Commander Beecroft; Commodore Adams Aliu, represented by Commander E.E. Omokhodion, Commandant of the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) Training School; Air Commodore Muhammed Asuekhome Imam, Commander of the 651 Base Services Group, Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja; and Brigadier General Olufemi Owolabi of the Nigerian Army 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Lagos. The stakeholders said Nigeria’s large youthful population could either become an engine of economic growth and national development or be exploited by political and criminal networks for destructive purposes. They particularly cautioned youths against the misuse of social media, warning that the spread of fake news, inciting content and other harmful digital activities could create serious security challenges. The security expert at the event stressed that national security should not be regarded solely as the responsibility of the military and police, noting that ordinary citizens, especially youths, have important roles to play. According to them, young Nigerians who reject fake news, cultism, terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime and drug abuse, report suspicious activities and choose dialogue over violence are contributing directly to national security. He urged youths to verify information before posting it online and ensure that their social media activities do not inflame tensions, particularly as the country approaches another electoral season. The stakeholders also warned against allowing politicians to use youths as instruments of electoral violence, noting that criminal records arising from cybercrime and electoral offences could affect their employment, education, international travel and visa applications for years. They therefore urged youths to reject political thuggery, intimidation, vote-related violence and other forms of electoral malpractice. The speakers challenged young Nigerians to move beyond complaining about the country and become part of the solution to its challenges. “If you see unemployment, acquire skills and create opportunities. If you see environmental degradation, become an environmental advocate. If you see insecurity, promote peace and responsible citizenship. If you see division, become a bridge. If you see corruption, choose integrity,” one of the speakers said. The stakeholders further identified technology, intelligence, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, maritime security, critical infrastructure protection and information management as critical areas that would shape Nigeria’s future security architecture. They encouraged youths to acquire relevant skills, understand technology, read widely, think critically, improve their communication abilities and develop strong character. They also urged young Nigerians to regard Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity as a strength rather than a source of division. The event called for stronger collaboration among the police, other security agencies, government institutions, community leaders and youths in preventing crime and strengthening national security. The stakeholders maintained that Nigeria’s future could not be built by government alone, but through the collective responsibility of citizens, particularly the younger generation. They urged youths to ensure that their generation would be remembered for responsibility, competence, courage, integrity and nation-building rather than violence and criminality.
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