Nigeria Police to Host 2026 International Youth Day Event in Abuja, Launch Anti-Thuggery Campaign

The Nigeria Police Force is set to host a three-day programme marking the 2026 International Youth Day, with a major focus on youth leadership, digital responsibility, peaceful political participation and community safety.

The event will hold from August 20 to 22, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja, under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” Similar activities will also take place across police zonal and state commands nationwide.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the programme is designed to strengthen cooperation between the police and young Nigerians as part of the Force’s preventive policing strategy.

The programme will feature youth leadership discussions, police-youth engagement sessions, panel discussions, innovation and entrepreneurship showcases, a peace and security walkathon, as well as sporting activities. Organisers will also recognise outstanding youth achievements through awards.

A nationwide tree-planting campaign, “Plant Peace. Grow Nigeria. Secure the Future,” will form part of the activities. The police will also unveil a national youth reorientation publication titled “Esteemed Youths: A National Youth Reorientation Resource” on August 22.

Two nationwide campaigns will be launched during the event. The first, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” will target political violence, election-related bullying and digital manipulation, while the second, “Think Before You Click. Verify Before You Share,” will promote responsible digital behaviour and address misinformation, disinformation and cyberbullying.

The police have invited government agencies, development partners, diplomatic missions, youth groups, schools, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, businesses and members of the public to participate in the initiative. Registration is available through the official programme portal.

The Force said the initiative reflects its growing emphasis on preventive policing through early engagement with young people. It maintained that equipping youths with positive values, opportunities and leadership responsibilities is essential to building safer, more peaceful and prosperous communities across Nigeria.