The Cross River State Police Command has called on youths in the state to reject political and digital thuggery and channel their energy and digital influence towards activities that promote peace, development and public safety.
The Command made the call as it joins the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on strengthening police-youth collaboration and community policing.
The United Nations theme for this year’s celebration is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” while the Nigeria Police Force has adopted “My Future is Greater than Political and Digital Thuggery” as its theme for the nationwide youth-focused initiative.
As part of activities marking the celebration, the Cross River Police Command will hold a Walkathon on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 7:00 a.m.
The walk will commence from the Police Headquarters at Diamond Hill, Calabar, and is expected to promote unity, healthy interaction and stronger partnerships between the police and young people in sustaining peace and security.
The activities will continue on Saturday, August 22, with a Youth-Police Security Symposium scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the Women Development Centre in Calabar.
According to the Command, the symposium will provide an avenue for youths and other stakeholders to discuss emerging security challenges, build trust, promote responsible citizenship and strengthen collaborative approaches to crime prevention.
The police invited youths, traditional and community leaders, government agencies, civil society organisations, students, youth groups and other stakeholders to participate actively in the events.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to building a productive relationship with young people, urging them to become positive partners in maintaining peace and security across the state.
The Command further stressed that meaningful youth engagement is critical to preventing crime, countering political and digital thuggery and strengthening community policing.
It urged young people across Cross River State to use their creativity, energy and digital platforms responsibly, emphasising that constructive youth participation remains essential to building a peaceful and safer society.