By Peace Udugba
Ogun Police PPRO calls for responsible digital behaviour, peaceful political participation and stronger community-police cooperation
The Ogun State Police Command has urged Nigerian students to reject cultism, drug abuse, violence, cybercrime, political thuggery and other forms of criminality capable of destroying their future.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babasay, gave the charge while delivering a keynote address at the 45th Students Parliament Council (SPC) Summit 2026, organised by the Student Parliamentary Council of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta.
The summit, which had the theme, “From Campus to Nation: Mobilising for Peace, Security and Development,” focused on the role of young Nigerians in promoting peace, security, responsible citizenship and national development.
Babasay described students as important stakeholders in national security, stressing that maintaining security should not be seen as the sole responsibility of the Police or other security agencies.
According to him, government, security agencies, communities, families and responsible citizens all have important roles to play in maintaining peace and security.
He urged students to shun cultism, noting that it does not represent strength or superiority and could expose young people to violence and other criminal activities.
The police spokesperson said true strength was demonstrated through self-confidence, discipline, good character and the courage to make independent and responsible choices.
He also warned students against allowing themselves to be recruited into groups or activities that could turn their youthful energy into instruments of violence.
Police Warns Students Against Social Media Misuse
Babasay also urged students to exercise caution in their use of social media, warning that digital platforms could either promote peace or create serious security challenges.
He advised young people to think carefully before posting content, verify information before sharing it and avoid using social media to spread rumours, hate speech, incitement or unverified claims.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, Nigerian youths must choose the path of peaceful participation, issue-based engagement and respect for democratic processes,” he said.
He stressed that although the voices of young Nigerians matter in a democracy, such voices must be expressed responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
Police Seeks Students’ Cooperation
The PPRO said the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting lives and property and creating a safe environment for education, investment and development.
He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between citizens and the Police in tackling security challenges.
Babasay encouraged students and members of the public to provide credible information to security agencies and support lawful security initiatives.
He urged them to maintain peaceful relationships within their communities and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The police spokesperson concluded by reminding the students that the future of Nigeria would be shaped by the choices they make today.
He said the journey from the classroom to the community and from the campus to the nation should be guided by peace, responsibility, integrity and service.
He expressed hope that the summit would inspire a new generation of Nigerians who would not only demand a better country but also take responsibility for building one.
