Bayelsa Police Launches Campaign Against Digital, Political Thuggery
By Chibuzo Obidike
The Bayelsa State Police Command has concluded its three day activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day with a strong message to young people across the state: their future must not be sacrificed to digital crime, political violence or drug abuse.
The programme, which brought together government officials, youth organisations, traditional institutions, security agencies, lawyers, NYSC members, community leaders and other stakeholders, featured a walkathon, sensitisation programme and interactive youth dialogue.
The major highlight was the launch of the Command’s campaign, My Future Is Greater Than Digital and Political Thuggery, designed to encourage young people to reject violence, political manipulation, cybercrime and other activities capable of destroying their future.
The campaign also promotes education, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development, responsible use of technology and active citizenship as better pathways for young Nigerians seeking to build successful lives.
During the three day programme, participants engaged in discussions on cyber literacy, drug abuse, cyberbullying, digital and political thuggery, police youth relations and the rights of suspects.
The closing dialogue provided young people with an opportunity to engage directly with the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, and members of the Command’s management team. The youths raised questions, shared concerns and offered suggestions on how police youth relations and community security could be strengthened across Bayelsa.
The Command also used the occasion to recognise young Bayelsans whose achievements and contributions demonstrate the positive impact youths can make in society.
Among those honoured were Hon. Alfred Kemapador for peacebuilding and national unity, Derek Tobore Onowode for digital responsibility and positive social impact, Tonbra Joseph for humanitarian and community service, Loveth Samuel for innovation and technology, Daboutubo Abiye Briggs for cybersecurity and digital innovation, and Alaziagha Victor for entrepreneurship and business leadership.
Briggs was additionally recognised as a Police Ambassador of the Bayelsa State Police Command.
The Command also provided its Complaint Response Unit contact lines, 0814 573 3300 and 0814 337 7442, urging members of the public, particularly young people, to use the channels to report concerns, lodge complaints and provide credible security information.
Commissioner Ajao Saka Adewale said the engagement with young people would continue beyond the International Youth Day activities, with further interactions planned at Area Commands and Divisional levels across the state.
He urged Bayelsa youths to reject violence, drug abuse, political thuggery, cybercrime and other forms of criminality, stressing that their energy, creativity, talents and skills should instead be channelled towards productive and lawful pursuits.
The Commissioner also reminded young people that security is a shared responsibility and called on them to work with the Police, government, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to build a safer and more prosperous Bayelsa.
