By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Police Command has warned youths against engaging in cult related activities, thuggery and other social vices even as the electioneering season begins.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, gave the warning during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration and inauguration of leaders of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) unit across communities and tertiary institutions in the State, organised by the command.
Adepoju, who spoke on the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” at the Senior Police Officer Mess in Port Harcourt, said youths had a crucial role to play in building a peaceful, secure and prosperous society.
The Rivers police boss urged them to reject political thuggery, cultism, drug abuse, violence and other forms of criminality, stressing that such activities could jeopardise their future and undermine the development of the state.
According to him, the energy, creativity and talents of young people should be channelled into productive activities capable of promoting peace, development and community growth.
The Commissioner said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to strengthening its relationship with youths through engagement programmes, mentorship and community policing initiatives designed to build trust and improve security.
He assured youths that the command would continue to support efforts aimed at providing a safe and conducive environment for them to pursue their aspirations.
Adepoju also commended the resilience and contributions of young people to national development, urging them to embrace responsible citizenship and become agents of positive change.
In her keynote address, titled, “Election Thuggery: The Role of Youths in Promoting Peaceful Elections,” ACP Rachel Opadola, Head of Gender and Anti-Trafficking, State Criminal Investigations Department, charged youths to resist attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of violence.
Opadola said youths should instead become active participants in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“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.
Similarly, Justin Briggs of the Rivers Speakers, Youths Assembly of Nigeria, praised the police for the initiative, describing it as timely as the state enters another electioneering period.
“We appreciate the police for this initiative. It is a good one for our state, especially now that we are going into an electioneering period.
“We understand that the youths have more to contribute. We want a peaceful Rivers State and a peaceful Nigeria,” Briggs said.
The celebration attracted youth groups, community leaders, security stakeholders and police officers, who used the occasion to discuss the challenges confronting young people and their role in promoting peace, security and national development.
